Glossary of Medical Terms

A substance used to block the cell division cycle, which is a series of steps a cell goes through each time it divides. There are many different types of cell cycle inhibitors. Some only work at specific steps in the cell cycle. Others work at any point in the cell cycle. Certain drugs that inhibit the cell cycle are being studied in the treatment of cancer.

The process during which young, immature (unspecialized) cells take on individual characteristics and reach their mature (specialized) form and function.

The ability of a cell to move.

An increase in the number of cells as a result of cell growth and cell division.

A chemical process in which oxygen is used to make energy from carbohydrates (sugars). Also called aerobic metabolism, aerobic respiration, and oxidative metabolism.

The process by which a cell responds to substances outside the cell through signaling molecules found on the surface of and inside the cell. Most molecules that lead to cell signaling are chemical substances, such as hormones, neurotransmitters, and growth factors, that bind to a specific protein receptor (signaling molecule) on or in a cell. The signals are then passed from one molecule to another inside the cell, which results in a specific cell response, such as cell division or cell death. Cell signaling is important for cells to grow and work normally. Cells that have abnormal signaling molecules may become cancer cells. Also called signal transduction.

Describes the kinds of cells found in normal or cancer tissue. The cell type is usually identified by looking under a microscope. Some examples of cell types are lymphocytes, melanocytes, and squamous cells. In cancer, it is important to know the cell type in order to diagnose the cancer, plan treatment, and determine prognosis.

The transfer of information from one cell to another. Cells signal each other by direct contact with each other or by the release of a substance from one cell that is taken up by another cell. Cell-cell signaling is important for cells to grow and work normally. Cells that lose the ability to respond to signals from other cells may become cancer cells. Also called cell-to-cell signaling and intercellular communication.

Any process that controls the series of events by which a cell goes through the cell cycle. During the cell cycle, a cell makes a copy of its DNA and other contents, and divides in two. When cell cycle regulation doesn’t happen correctly, cells may divide in an uncontrolled way, and diseases such as cancer can occur.

The transfer of information from one cell to another. Cells signal each other by direct contact with each other or by the release of a substance from one cell that is taken up by another cell. Cell-to-cell signaling is important for cells to grow and work normally. Cells that lose the ability to respond to signals from other cells may become cancer cells. Also called cell-cell signaling and intercellular communication.