Glossary Terms

The spread of cancer from its original site to distant organs—the primary reason cancer becomes life-threatening.Metastasis is the multistep process

A three-amino-acid sequence (Arg-Gly-Asp) that acts as a universal ‘docking code’ recognized by integrins on cell surfaces.The RGD (arginine-glycine-aspartate) tripeptide

When bacteria evolve to survive antibiotics that used to kill them—one of the most urgent threats in medicine today.Antimicrobial resistance

A slimy, protective community of bacteria that sticks to surfaces—much harder to kill with antibiotics than free-floating bacteria.Biofilms are structured

A report describing outcomes in a small group of patients—useful for generating hypotheses but too weak to prove a treatment

The two receptors that VIP binds to—found throughout the body, they mediate VIP’s effects on blood flow, inflammation, and gut

A master switch inside cells that controls growth and metabolism—when nutrients are abundant it says ‘grow,’ when they’re scarce it

A specialized cell at the base of intestinal crypts that secretes antimicrobial peptides—your gut’s built-in defense system.Paneth cells are secretory

Swelling in the central part of the retina—the area responsible for sharp, detailed vision—usually caused by leaky blood vessels.Macular edema

A condition caused by too much growth hormone in adults—leading to enlarged hands, feet, and facial features.Acromegaly results from chronic