Glossary
Scurvy- A disease caused by a deficiency of vitamin C, characterized by swollen bleeding gums, the opening of healed wounds, and hemorrhaging. Scurvy mainly affected sailors from the 1800s, who lacked fruits and vegetables.
Hemorrhaging- To suffer the escape of blood from a ruptured vessel.
Vitamin C- Also known as ascorbic acid. It is essential in maintaining healthy connective tissue and acts as an antioxidant. Severe deficiency of vitamin C causes scurvy.
Antioxidant- A substance that prevents oxidation; sometimes used to counteract the deterioration of food products. A substance that removes damaging oxidizing substances.
Deficiency- Lack of
Diaphysis- The shaft of central part of a long bone.
Osteoblast- A cell that secretes the bone matrix for bone formation.
Osteoid- The unmineralized organic component of bone.
Resorption- The absorption into the circulation of cells or tissue.
Spicules- Needlelike structures of calcite that make up the skeleton.
Periosteum- A dense layer of vascular connective tissue enveloping the bones except at the surfaces of the joints.