Deamination
/diːˌæmɪˈneɪʃən/
The removal of an amino group from an amino acid or other compound.
Dendrite
/ˈdɛndraɪt/
A short branched extension of a nerve cell, along which impulses are received from other cells.
Dermis
/ˈdɜːrmɪs/
The thick layer of living tissue below the epidermis which forms the true skin.
Desmosome
/ˈdɛzməˌsoʊm/
A structure by which two adjacent cells are attached, formed from protein plaques in the cell membranes.
Diapedesis
/ˌdaɪəpəˈdiːsɪs/
The passage of blood cells through the intact walls of the capillaries, typically accompanying inflammation.
Diaphragm
/ˈdaɪəfræm/
A dome-shaped, muscular partition separating the thorax from the abdomen; the main muscle of respiration.
Diastole
/daɪˈæstəli/
The phase of the heartbeat when the heart muscle relaxes and allows the chambers to fill with blood.
Diencephalon
/ˌdaɪɛnˈsɛfəlɒn/
The caudal (posterior) part of the forebrain, containing the thalamus and hypothalamus.
Diffusion
/dɪˈfjuːʒən/
The spreading of something more widely; the movement of molecules from high to low concentration.
Digestion
/daɪˈdʒɛstʃən/
The process of breaking down food by mechanical and enzymatic action in the alimentary canal.
Distal
/ˈdɪstəl/
Situated away from the center of the body or from the point of attachment.
Diuresis
/ˌdaɪjʊˈriːsɪs/
Increased or excessive production of urine.
Dorsiflexion
/ˌdɔːrsɪˈflɛkʃən/
Backward flexion (bending), as of the hand or foot.
Duodenum
/ˌdjuːəˈdiːnəm/
The first part of the small intestine immediately beyond the stomach.
Dura Mater
/ˈdjʊərə ˈmeɪtər/
The tough outermost membrane enveloping the brain and spinal cord.