Glossary of Medical Terms – Z

Zellweger Syndrome: A rare, autosomal recessive congenital syndrome of multiple abnormalities. Some of the principal characteristics are cerebral dysfunction, defective myelinization, craniofacial abnormalities, renal cysts, hepatomegaly, and biliary dysgenesis. Absence of liver and kidney peroxisomes is the underlying basic defect
Zinc: Essential trace mineral. The functions of zinc are enzymatic. There are over 70 metalloenzymes known to require zinc for their functions. The main biochemicals in which zinc has been found to be necessary include: enzymes and enzymatic function, carbohydrate metabolism and protein synthesis . Zinc is a constituent of insulin and male reproductive fluid. Necessary for the proper metabolism of alcohol, to get rid of the lactic acid that builds up in working muscles and to transfer it to the lungs. Zinc is involved in the health of the immune system, assists vitamin A utilization and is involved in the formation of bone and teeth
Zinc Chloride: Assists in the absorption of the herbal nutrients & active ingredients through the dermal layer, and then into the bloodstream. Compound occasionally used in escharotic skin creams & salves for the treatment of skin cancer and other dermal and epidermal conditions
Zoonosis: A parasite naturally transmitted between man and other vertebrate species
Zoster: Herpes zoster
Zymosis: Any infectious or contagious disease. The development of spread of an infectious disease