CHAPTER 7.2 : THE LYMPHATIC & IMMUNE SYSTEMS

lymph fluid

Fluid within the lymph system; once interstitial fluid enters the lymphatic system it becomes lymph.

lymphatic

Pertaining to lymph or lymph structures.

intracellular fluid

Fluid inside a cell; pertaining to within a cell.

intravascular fluid

Fluid inside a vessel (blood or lymph); pertaining to within a vessel.

extracellular fluid

Fluid outside of a cell or vessel structure.

antigen

An identifying marker (usually a protein or a part of a molecule) on a cell or organism, including bacteria, viruses, or human cells.

self-antigen

Antigens on one's own cell identifying the cell as being “self”; they should not elicit an immune response.

foreign antigen

Any identifying marker foreign to the body; in general, they induce an immune response or an allergen response.

autoimmune disorder

An immune reaction directed against a person's own tissue; the body targets one’s own antibodies as foreign.

antibody

A protein molecule made by plasma B cells in response to a foreign antigen; each antibody is unique and attacks one specific type of foreign invader.

cytotoxic cells

Immune cells that destroy pathogens by injecting toxins into them; refers primarily to cytotoxic T cells and Natural Killer cells.

normal body flora

Generally harmless microorganisms that exist on the skin or in the GI tract to aid in digestion and immune regulation.

the immune response

A reaction of the immune system when a foreign substance is detected in the body.

immunosuppression

The active suppression of the immune system, thus weakening the immune system and reducing its ability to fight off infections and diseases.

opportunistic infection

An infection caused by a pathogenic organism because the host has lowered resistance or is immunocompromised.

allergy

A hypersensitivity reaction to an otherwise common substance (an antigen or allergen).

adenoidectomy

Surgical excision or removal of an adenoid.

bone marrow transplant

Replacement of a patient’s bone marrow with a donor’s hematopoietic stem cells, usually after chemotherapy or radiation.

antihistamine

An agent that blocks or inhibits histamines; treats allergic symptoms by reducing or eliminating reactions caused by histamine.

antiparasitic

An agent that destroys parasites such as lice, scabies, or intestinal worms.

corticosteroids

A class of drugs used for their strong anti-inflammatory properties; synthetic medications based mostly on glucocorticoids.

immunosuppressant

Any agent that suppresses the immune system; used to prevent transplanted organ rejection, treat autoimmune diseases, or suppress inflammation