genetics
the science that accounts for natural differences and resemblances among organisms related by descent.
heredity
The process by which organisms pass genetic traits on to their offspring.
deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)
the combination of proteins, called nucleotides, that is arranged to make up an organisms chromosomes
chromosome
a microscopic structure found within the nucleus of all living cells that carries genes responsible for the organism's characteristics
gene
a tiny segment of DNA found on a chromosome within a cells nucleus. Each gene holds the formula for making a specific enzyme or protein.
genome
all the DNA in an organism, including its genes.
Human Genome Project
A scientific project funded by the US government, begun in 1990 and successfully completed in 2000, for the purpose of mapping all of a humans genes.
amniocentesis
test whereby the physician withdraws a sample of amniotic fluid (the fluid surrounding the developing fetus inside the mother's womb) from the uterus of a pregnant woman. The fluid is then tested for genetic or other conditions that may lead to abnormal d
mutation
any permanent change in DNA.
genetic counselor
an expert in human genetics who is qualified to counsel individuals who may have inherited genes for certain diseases or conditions
genetic discrimination
differential treatment of individuals based on their actual or presumed genetic differences
genetic engineering
manipulation of DNA within the cells of plants, animals and other organisms, through synthesis, alteration, or repair to ensure that certain harmful traits will be eliminated in offspring and that desired traits will appear and be passed on.
clone
an organism produced asexually, usually from a single cell of the parent
cloning
the process by which organisms are created asexually, usually from a single cell of the parent organism
xenotransplantation
transplantation of animal tissues and organs into humans
stem cells
cells that have the potential to become any type of body cell
multipotent stem cells
stem cells that can become a limited number of types of tissues and cells in the body
pluripotent stem cells
Stem cells that can become almost all types of tissues and cells in the body
gene therapy
treating harmful genetic diseases or traits by eliminating or modifying the harmful gene
infertility
the failure to conceive for a period of 12 months or longer due to a deviation from or interruption of the normal structure or function of any reproductive part, organ, or system
in vitro fertilization (IVF)
fertilization that takes place outside a woman's body, literally, "in glass," as in a test tube.
artificial insemination
the mechanical injection of viable semen into the vagina
homogulus artificial insemination
the process in which a husbands sperm is mechanically injected into his wife's vagina to fertilize her eggs.
surrogate mother
a woman who becomes pregnant, usually by artificial insemination or surgical implantation of a fertilized egg, and bears a child for another woman
heterologus artificial insemination
the process in which donor sperm is mechanically injected into a woman's vagina to fertilize her eggs
parens patriae
a legal doctrine that gives the state the authority to act in a child's best interest.
safe haven laws
state laws that allow mothers to abandon newborns to designated safe facilities without penalty
mature minor
individuals in their mid-to late teens who, for health care purposes, are considered mature enough to comprehend a physician's recommendations and give informed consent
emancipated minors
individuals in their mid- to late teens who legally live outside of parents' or guardians' control
Uniform Determination of Death Act
a proposal that established uniform guidelines for determining when death has occurred
brain death
final cessation of bodily activity, used to determine when death actually occurs; circulatory and respiratory functions have irreversibly ceased, and the entire brain ( including the brain stem) has irreversibly ceased to function
coma
a condition of deep stupor from which the patient cannot be roused by external stimuli
persistent vegetative state(PVS)
severe mental impairment characterized by irreversible cessation of the higher functions of the brain, most often caused by damage to the cerebral cortex
palliative care
treatment of a terminally ill patient's symptoms in order to make dying more comfortable; also called comfort care
curative care
treatment directed toward curing a patient's disease
hospice
a facility or program in which teams of health care practitioners and volunteers provide a continuing environment that focuses on the physical, emotional, and psychological needs of the dying patient
terminally ill
referring to patients who are expected to die within six months
thanatology
the study of death and of the psychological methods for coping with it
Uniform Rights of the Terminally Ill Act
a 1989 recommendation of the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws that all states construct laws to address advance directives
active euthanasia
a conscious medical act that results in the death of a dying person
passive euthanasia
the act of allowing a dying patient to die naturally, without medical interference
voluntary euthanasia
the act of ending a dying patient's life by medical means with his or her permission
involuntary euthanasia
the act of ending a terminal patient's life by medical means without his or her permission
Patient Self-Determination Act
a federal law passed in 1990 that requires hospitals and other health care providers to provide written information to patients regarding their rights under state law to make medical decisions and execute advance directives.
living will
an advance directive that specifies an individual's end-of-life wishes
durable power of attorney
an advance directive that confers upon a designee the authority to make a variety of legal decisions on behalf of the grantor, usually including health care decisions
health care proxy
a durable power of attorney issued for purposes of health care decisions only
do-not-resuscitate (DNR )order
orders written at the request of patients or their authorized representatives that cardiopulmonary resuscitation not be used to sustain life in a medical crisis
National Organ Transplant Act
passed in 1984, a statute that provides grants to qualified organ procurement organizations and established an Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network
Uniform Anatomical Gift Act Act
a recommendation of the National Conference of State Laws, that all states accepted, allowing individuals to donate their bodies or body parts, after death, for use in transplant surgery, tissue banks, or medical research or education.