Chromosomes
Chromosomes: The microscopically visible carriers of the genetic material. They are composed of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and proteins and, under a microscope, look like little rods.
Humans normally have 46 chromosomes — 44 autosomes (nonsex chromosomes) plus XX sex chromosomes in the case of the female and XY sex chromosomes in the case of the male.
For a more thorough consideration of our chromosomes, please see the entry to Chromosome.
Read Also:
- Chromosomes in multiple miscarriages
Chromosomes in multiple miscarriages: Chromosome abnormalities (such as deletions, additions, or translocations) that are responsible for causing miscarriages. A couple that has had more than one miscarriage has about a 5 percent chance that one member of the couple is carrying an irregular chromosome that is responsible for the miscarriages.
- Chronic
Chronic: In medicine, lasting a long time. A chronic condition is one that lasts 3 months or more. Chronic diseases are in contrast to those that are acute (abrupt, sharp, and brief) or subacute (within the interval between acute and chronic).
- Chronic arthritis, systemic-onset juvenile
Chronic arthritis, systemic-onset juvenile: See: Arthritis, systemic-onset juvenile rheumatoid.
- Chronic bacterial prostatitis
Chronic bacterial prostatitis: Longstanding bacterial infection of the prostate gland superimposed on a defect in the prostate. (The prostate is a small organ below the bladder which surrounds the urethra, the tube that carries urine down from the bladder.) The symptoms can include low back pain, discomfort in the perineum (the area between the anus […]
- Chronic bronchitis
Inflammation and swelling of the lining of the airways, leading to narrowing and obstruction generally resulting in daily cough. The inflammation stimulates production of mucus, which can cause further blockage of the airways. Obstruction of the airways, especially with mucus, increases the likelihood of bacterial lung infection. Chronic bronchitis is common in persons who have […]