Glossary

List of terms beginning with As

Asbestos: A highly heat-resistant fibrous silicate mineral that can be woven into fabrics, and is used in brake linings and other fire-resistant and insulating materials. The danger to health caused by breathing in highly carcinogenic asbestos particles has lead to a more stringent control of its use. Exposure to asbestos can cause severe fibrosis and mesothelioma.
Ascending colon: The first main part of the large intestine, which passes upwards from the caecum on the right hand side of the abdomen.
Astrocyte: A star shaped 'glial' cell of the central nervous system.
Astrocytoma: A type of brain tumour that develops from astrocytes. It is the most common type of glioma.
Asymptomatic: Having no symptoms of disease.