heparin, Lipo-Hepin, Liquaemin - a polysaccharide produced in basophils (especially in the lung and liver) and that inhibit the activity of thrombin in coagulation of the blood; heparin sodium (trade names Lipo-Hepin and Liquaemin) is used as an anticoagulant in the treatment of thrombosis and in heart surgery

chitin - a tough semitransparent horny substance; the principal component of the exoskeletons of arthropods and the cell walls of certain fungi

carbohydrate, saccharide, sugar - an essential structural component of living cells and source of energy for animals; includes simple sugars with small molecules as well as macromolecular substances; are classified according to the number of monosaccharide groups they contain

cellulose - a polysaccharide that is the chief constituent of all plant tissues and fibers

animal starch, glycogen - one form in which body fuel is stored; stored primarily in the liver and broken down into glucose when needed by the body

inulin - used to manufacture fructose and in assessing kidney function

mucopolysaccharide - complex polysaccharides containing an amino group; occur chiefly as components of connective tissue

amylum, starch - a complex carbohydrate found chiefly in seeds, fruits, tubers, roots and stem pith of plants, notably in corn, potatoes, wheat, and rice; an important foodstuff and used otherwise especially in adhesives and as fillers and stiffeners for paper and textiles