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Fat:
See Triglyceride.
F cell:
A cell in the pancreatic islets (islets of Langerharns) that secretes
pancreatic polypeptide.
Familial
adenomatous polyposis:
a
hereditary syndrome characterized by the formation of many polyps in the
colon and rectum, some of which ultimately develop into colorectal cancer.
Fatty
acid:
an
organic acid molecule consisting of a chain of carbon molecules and a
carboxylic acid (COOH) group. Fatty acids are found in fats, oils, and as
components of a number of essential lipids, such as phospholipids and
triglycerides. Fatty acids can be burned by the body for energy.
Feeding (hunger) center:
A cluster of neurons in the lateral nuclei of the hypothalamus that,
when stimulated, brings about feeding.
Femoral
neck:
a portion
of the thighbone (femur). The femoral neck is found near the hip, at the
base of the head of femur, which makes up the ball of the hip joint.
Fractures of the femoral neck sometimes occur in individuals with
osteoporosis.
Fibroblast: A
large, flat cell that secretes most of the matrix (extracellular) material
of the areolar and dense connective tissues.
Fibrocystic breast condition (FCC):
a benign
(noncancerous) condition of the breasts, characterized by lumpiness and
discomfort in one one or both breasts.
Fortification:
the
addition of nutrients to foods to prevent or correct a nutritional
deficiency, to balance the total nutrient profile of food, or to restore
nutrients lost in processing.
Fracture:
a break
in a bone or cartilage, often but not always the result of trauma.
Free
radical:
a very
reactive atom or molecule typically possessing a single unpaired electron.
Fructose:
a very
sweet 6-carbon sugar abundant in plants. Fructose is increasingly common in
sweeteners such as high-fructose corn syrup.
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