Physiology · Cell Biology · Hard

Glycolysis

Meaning: The breakdown of glucose to produce energy in the cytoplasm.

In practice: Glycolysis is the first step in both aerobic and anaerobic respiration.

Word parts

Many medical words are built from Greek and Latin parts like these, so learning a few helps you work out new terms.

Two questions on related physiology words.

Which word means: Unmineralised organic bone matrix laid down by bone-forming cells before it calcifies.

Which word means: A gas absorbed in the lungs and carried by haemoglobin to every cell in the body.

One medical word a day, then a quick three-question quiz. Free on iPhone, or play in your browser on Android and computer.