Vitamin D Council Glossary

Efficacy

Capacity to produce a desired treatment effect.

Electrocardiogram (EKG,ECG)

A graphic record of the heart's action produced by an electrocardiograph and used for diagnostic purposes.

Electrocardiograph

Device that records the electrical activity of the heart over time.

Electrolyte

Substance that dissociates into ions (charged particles) in solution, making it capable of conducting electricity.

Endocrine

Cell signaling performed by the secretion of chemicals which are carried by the blood and tissue fluids to target cells.

Endocrine gland

Ductless glands that regulate physiological functions in the body by secreting hormones directly into the bloodstream.

Endocrine system

System of glands that release hormones directly into the circulatory system to help to control metabolic activity. The endocrine system controls slow, long-lasting responses to internal stimuli.

Endocrinologist (Endocrinologists)

Doctor trained in diagnosis of diseases which affect your glands and in treating complex conditions that involve many systems within the body.

Endocrinology

The science of hormone function which includes the study of conditions such as: diabetes, thyroid disease, metabolic disorders, menopause, osteoporosis, hypertension, cholesterol (lipid) disorders, and infertility.

Endocytosis (Endocytic)

A process of cellular ingestion by which the plasma membrane folds inward to bring substances into the cell.

Endogenous

Produced or synthesized within the organism or system.

Endorphin

Any of several morphine-like peptides naturally produced in the brain which bind to certain neuron receptors and have the effect of diminishing pain.

Endothelial cells

Cells which line the entire circulatory system, from the heart to the smallest capillary, and reduce turbulence in the blood flow.

Endotoxemia

Presence of endotoxins in the blood, increasing risk of hemorrhages, necrosis of the kidneys, and shock.

Enzyme

A protein (or protein-based molecule) that speeds up a chemical reaction in a living organism.

Ependymal cell

Cell which lines the ventricles (fluid-filled spaces in the brain).

Ependymoma

A rare type of glioma that develops from the ependymal cells in the brain and from the central canal of the spinal cord. Ependymomas can be found in any part of the brain or spine and in children are more common in the cerebellum.

Epidemic

Health-related event affecting many persons at the same time.

Epidemiological

Relating to the study of the causes, distribution, and control of disease in populations.

Epidemiological study

Statistical study on human populations in which the aim is to link human health effects to a specified cause.

Epidemiologist

Scientist who studies the frequency and distribution of disease within populations and environments.

Epidemiology

Study of diseases in populations of humans (or other animals) to determine associated risk and protective factors.

Epidermis

The upper (or outer) layer of the two main layers of cells that make up the skin.

Epithelial cells

Cells located throughout the body, a portion of which are used for secretion and make up specific parts of the body referred to as glands.

Epithelium

Tissue composed of a layer of cells.

Equipotent

Having equal effects or capacities.

Ergocalciferol (Calciferol,Vitamin D2)

A vitamin D-like, once-patented drug that is derived from fungal and plant sources by activating ergosterol with ultraviolet light and is not naturally present in the human body.

Ergometer

A device which measures the amount of energy or work performed.

Ergosterol

Precursor to ergocalciferol. A component of fungal cell membranes which serves the same function in plants that cholesterol does in animals.

Estrogen

Steroid hormone present in both men and women, usually at higher levels in women of reproductive age.

Etiology

Cause of a disease or abnormal condition.

Eukaryote (Eukaryotic)

An organism, such as an animal, plant, fungus, or protist, whose cells are organized into complex structures enclosed within membranes.

Exocrine gland

Duct glands that secrete enzymes into ducts. Typical exocrine glands include sweat glands, salivary glands, mammary glands, stomach, prostrate, and liver.

Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE)

An experimental model of brain inflammation that is similar to the inflammation that occurs in multiple sclerosis (MS).