Man facts

Calcium. Hypocalcemia, commonly known as calcium deficiency disease, occurs when calcium levels in the blood are low. A long-term deficiency can lead to dental changes, cataracts, alterations in the brain, and osteoporosis, which causes the bones to become brittle. Otherwise symptoms may include numbness, muscle spasms, seizures, confusion, or cardiac arrest.

Neurone. A neurone and nerve cell, is an electrically excitable cell that communicates with other cells via specialized connections called synapses. All multicellular organisms except sponges and Trichoplax have neurons. A neuron is the main component of nervous tissue. Motor neurons receive signals from the brain and spinal cord to control everything from muscle contractions to glandular output.

A person whose gender matches his or her biological sex. Cisgender (cissexual, or to simply cis) is a term for people whose gender identity matches the sex that they were assigned at birth. Someone who identifies as a woman and was assigned female at birth is, for example, a cisgender woman. “Cisgender” was introduced so our language could be more fair and inclusive, and to make us more aware of everybody’s experiences of gender. However, the term has critics as well as fans.

Gut–brain axis. The gut–brain axis is the biochemical signaling that takes place between the gastrointestinal tract and the central nervous system. Changes in the composition of the gut flora due to diet, drugs, or disease correlate with changes in levels of circulating cytokines, some of which can affect brain function. The gut flora also release molecules that can directly activate the vagus nerve. Around 70% of people with autism also have gastrointestinal problems, indicating that there may be a connection between autism and gut flora.