Archives: Glossary
A collection of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi that live in a particular environment, including the human body or parts of the body. The human microbiome plays an important role in health and disease. For example, the human gut microbiome is uniquely shaped by an individual’s diet, lifestyle, genetics, and environment. Research has […]
A very thin layer that acts as a selective barrier. Membranes surround every living cell (called cell membranes) and control what substances can move in and out of the cell.
The process by which a single cell, called the parent cell, splits to form new cells, known as daughter cells. Cell division is essential for growth, damage repair and reproduction.
Red blood cells, which carry oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body.
Blood is a bodily fluid that comprises plasma, red blood cells (erythrocytes), white blood cells (leucocytes) and platelets (thrombocytes). Blood plays an important role in the normal functioning of the body, including transporting oxygen and nutrients to tissues and carrying away waste. Blood also supports our immune system and enables clotting to prevent excessive bleeding.
A network of blood vessels and tissue made up of closely packed cells that act as a barrier to keep harmful substances from reaching the brain. The blood brain barrier lets some substances, such as water, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and general anaesthetics, pass into the brain. It also restricts the entry of many anticancer drugs, […]
Your body is made up of tiny building blocks called cells. Cells are the basic structural and functional units of all living organisms, forming tissues and organs. They are responsible for essential processes such as producing energy, supporting growth, and repairing damage. Human cells can either be: Somatic cells: which are non-reproductive, diploid cells such […]
A type of normal cell death that helps the body remove unneeded, damaged or old cells in a controlled and safe way, also called programmed cell death. Apoptosis acts like a built-in self-destruct button and helps keep the body healthy by clearing out cells that could cause problems. But in cancer, this process can become […]
A biomarker is something doctors can measure in the body to help understand what’s happening with your health. Biomarkers can be found in your blood, other body fluids, or tissues and provide clues about what’s going on inside the body. It can show if the body is working normally, if a disease like cancer is […]
The formation of blood vessels. Tumours can manipulate this process to develop their own blood supply, delivering oxygen and nutrients which are needed for growth. This process can be targeted by anti-cancer drugs designed to stop blood vessel formation.