Online Medical Dictionary

Letter Z

Zinc Deficiency

Hypozincemia; zinc levels below those needed to sustain certain functions in the body, usually a result of malnutrition, but may also occur due to chronic liver disease, chronic renal disease, diabetes, sickle-cell disease, or chronic diarrhea. Zinc deficiency may result in a decreased appetite, anorexia, hair loss, skin lesion, motor impairment, pneumonia, and difficulties during pregnancy. Treatment involves zinc supplementation and dietary regimens, that include Vitamin A and D, on which zinc tends to be dependent.

Zygote

The inaugural cell created when two gametes form union; in humans, the female's ova and the male's sperm cell.