Lacteal
/ˈlæktiəl/
The lymphatic vessels of the small intestine which absorb digested fats.
Lactic Acid
/ˈlæktɪk ˈæsɪd/
A chemical byproduct of anaerobic respiration, often produced in muscles during strenuous exercise.
Lacuna
/ləˈkjuːnə/
A small cavity or space, such as those in bone or cartilage that contain cells.
Larynx
/ˈlærɪŋks/
The hollow muscular organ forming an air passage to the lungs and holding the vocal cords; the voice box.
Latent Period
/ˈleɪtənt ˈpɪəriəd/
The delay between the receipt of a stimulus by a sensory nerve and the resulting response.
Leukocyte
/ˈluːkəˌsaɪt/
A colorless cell that circulates in the blood and body fluids and is involved in counteracting foreign substances and disease; a white blood cell.
Ligament
/ˈlɪɡəmənt/
A short band of tough, flexible fibrous connective tissue which connects two bones or cartilages or holds together a joint.
Lipase
/ˈlaɪpeɪs/
A pancreatic enzyme that catalyzes the breakdown of fats into fatty acids and glycerol or other alcohols.
Lipogenesis
/ˌlaɪpoʊˈdʒɛnɪsɪs/
The metabolic process of forming fat from non-fat precursors, such as carbohydrates.
Liver
/ˈlɪvər/
A large lobed glandular organ involved in metabolic processes, detoxification, and bile production.
Lumbosacral
/ˌlʌmboʊˈseɪkrəl/
Relating to the lower part of the back (lumbar) and the sacrum.
Lumen
/ˈluːmən/
The central cavity of a tubular or other hollow structure in an organism or cell.
Luteinizing Hormone
/ˈluːtiəˌnaɪzɪŋ ˈhɔːrmoʊn/
A hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary gland that stimulates ovulation in females and synthesis of androgen in males.
Lymph
/lɪmf/
A colorless fluid containing white blood cells, which bathes the tissues and drains through the lymphatic system into the bloodstream.
Lymphocyte
/ˈlɪmfəˌsaɪt/
A form of small leukocyte with a single round nucleus, occurring especially in the lymphatic system.
Lysosome
/ˈlaɪsəˌsoʊm/
An organelle in the cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells containing degradative enzymes enclosed in a membrane.
Lysozyme
/ˈlaɪsəˌzaɪm/
An enzyme that catalyzes the destruction of the cell walls of certain bacteria, found in tears and egg white.