9781422288450

Words to Understand

autoimmune: Caused by an antibody to substances occurring naturally in the body. chronic: A condition that lasts for a long time or recurs frequently. stroke: A sudden blockage or rupture of a blood vessel in the brain. visceral: Relating to or affecting a body’s internal organs. physiological: Relating to the way living creatures function. genetics: Relating to or caused by genes. fraternal twins: Twins who develop from two eggs. sedentary: Involving much sitting and little exercise. dialysis: The procedure of filtering accumulated waste products from someone whose kidneys are not functioning correctly. ethnicity: A particular ethnic affiliation or group. socioeconomic: Involving economic and social factors. cultural: Relating to the customary beliefs, social norms, and traits of a racial, religious, ethnic, or social group.