Vitamin Glossary "F"

• fascia- a fibrous membrane covering, supporting and separating muscles. Unites the skin with underlying tissue.

   

• fat- adipose tissue of the body which serves as an energy reserve. Also, in chemistry, a term used to describe one of a group of organic compounds of fatty acids.

   

• fertilization- the union of the ovum of a female with the male's spermatozoon (the male sex cell carried in the seminal discharge) resulting in the initiation of the development of a new individual.

   

• fetus- a term for the developing human usually ranging from three months after conception to birth.

   

• fibroblasts- cells that are the precursors of bone, collagen, and other connective tissue cells, commonly known as the healing cells.

   

• film badge dosimeter- a dosimeter using photographic film which is sensitive to hazardous high energy radiation, such as x-rays. It is about the size of a badge and is worn in a similar manner by x-ray technicians, nuclear plant workers, and others exposed to these hazards.

   

• fluid retention- failure to eliminate fluids from the body because of a high level of salt in the body, or a renal, cardiac, or metabolic disease.

   

• free radical- molecules containing an odd number of electrons resulting in an open bond or half bond, making them highly reactive and as a result, potentially destructive.

   

• fungus- a cellular organism that subsists on organic matter.