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acne
An inflammatory disease of
the sebaceous glands and hair follicles of the skin that is marked by
the eruption of pimples or comedones (blackheads), papules (bumps),
pustules (yellow pimples), especially on the face.
ACT
The acronym, ACT, allows
an easy way to remember the stages of the hair cycle: Anagen, Catagen,
Telogen
adrenalcorticotrophic
hormone (ACTH)
A pituitary hormone that
stimulates the adrenal cortex.
adrenal glands
Suprarenal glands. Small
endocrine glands, two in number, situated atop the kidneys. The outer
yellowish layer (cortex) secretes about 30 steroid hormones, most
importantly aldosterone, which regulates water and salt balance in the
body, and cortisol, which controls carbohydrate, fat, and protein
metabolism. The adrenals also produce small amounts of testosterone and
estrogen. The inner reddish portion (medulla) of the adrenals secretes
the emergency-response hormones epinephrine (adrenaline) and
norepinephrine.
AIDS
The acronym, AIDS, refers
to Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome and is associated with the HIV
virus.
alopecia
Loss of hair; baldness.
alternating current (AC)
The flow of electrical
current that moves repeatedly back and forth (a cycle).
ambosexual hair
Areas of hair found
normally in both sexes, such as eyebrow hair or post-pubertal axillary
hair.
ampere
A unit of electrical
current.
anagen hair
A hair that is actively
growing; hair in the anagen phase.
anaphoresis
The application of
negative direct current prior to electrolysis using a carbon roller-like
device put in contact with the skin. It is thought to dilate the
hair follicle openings to allow for easier electrolysis needle
insertions. We have not observed any demonstrable evidence to support
its use. Akin to the post-treatment use of cataphoresis whereby
electrical polarity is reversed.
androgen
A steroid hormone, such as
testosterone or androsterone, that controls the development and
maintenance of masculine characteristics. Androgens are produced in both
men and women by the testes or ovaries, and adrenal glands.
anode
In galvanic and blend
methods, the anode (the passive, or indifferent electrode) receives
negative charges (electrons) from the cathode. This electrode normally
is seen as a metal wand placed in the patient's hand during treatment.
apocrine gland
A type of sweat gland
located principally in the axillae and pubic region which duct into hair
follicles instead of the surface of the skin. Also see eccrine
glands.
areola
The ring-like, pigmented
area that surrounds the nipple of the breast.
arrector pili
A minute muscle attached
to the follicle, which when contracted, pulls the hair erect (goose
flesh) in response to cold and other stimuli.
asepsis
1. The state of being free
of pathogenic microorganisms.
2. The process of removing pathogenic microorganisms or protecting
against infection by such organisms.
axilla
Underarm or armpit. pl.:
axillae adj.: axillary
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