| elastic tissue | A form of connective tissue in which the elastic fibres predominate; it constitutes the ligamenta flava of the vertebrae and the ligamentum nuchae, especially of quadrupeds; it occurs also in the walls of the arteries and of the bronchial tree, and connects the cartilages of the larynx. Synonym: elastica, tela elastica. (05 Mar 2000) |
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| elastica | 1. The elastic layer in the wall of an artery. Synonym: elastic tissue. (05 Mar 2000) |
| elasticin | <protein> Glycoprotein (70 kD) randomly coiled and cross linked to form elastic fibres that are found in connective tissue. Like collagen, the amino acid composition is unusual with 30% of residues being glycine and with a high proline content. Cross linking depends upon formation of desmosine from four lysine side groups. The mechanical properties of elastin are poorer in old animals. (18 Nov 1997) |
| elasticity | 1. The quality of being elastic; the inherent property in bodies by which they recover their former figure or dimensions, after the removal of external pressure or altering force; springiness; tendency to rebound; as, the elasticity of caoutchouc; the elasticity of the air. 2. Power of resistance to, or recovery from, depression or overwork. Coefficient of elasticity, the quotient of a stress (of a given kind), by the strain (of a given kind) which it produces; called also coefficient of resistance. <geometry> Surface of elasticity, the pedal surface of an ellipsoid (see Pedal); a surface used in explaining the phenomena of double refraction and their relation to the elastic force of the luminous ether in crystalline media. Origin: Cf. F. Elasticite. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| elasticoviscous | Alternate form of the commoner term viscoelastic. (18 Nov 1997) |