Unit 3 Organs, Tests, and Diseases

Anemia

A condition where there is a reduction in red blood cells or their failure to function properly. Symptoms include weakness, dizziness, cold extremities, pale skin, and headaches.

Sickle Cell Disease (Sickle Cell Anemia)

A genetic disorder where red blood cells are abnormally shaped like a sickle, causing blood flow blockages. Symptoms include pain episodes, stunted growth, anemia, dark urine, and strokes.

Hemophilia

A genetic condition where individuals lack a specific clotting factor, leading to prolonged bleeding. Severity can range from mild to severe.

Septicemia (Sepsis)

A severe bacterial infection of the blood, also known as blood poisoning. If it progresses to septic shock, it has a high mortality rate (around 50%). High-risk groups include those with infections in the urinary tract, intestines, skin, or lungs, or those recently discharged from the hospital.

Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

An autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation of the thyroid gland, leading to hypothyroidism. Symptoms include fatigue, cold sensitivity, weight gain, dry skin, and constipation.

Leukemia

Cancer of the blood and bone marrow, resulting in the production of abnormal white blood cells instead of healthy ones.

Lymphoma

Cancer affecting the lymphatic system, categorized into Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. It causes tumors in lymph nodes. The two types are differentiated based on the cancer cells present in the tumors.

Mononucleosis

A viral infection caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, characterized by abnormal mononuclear lymphocytes in the blood. Symptoms include fatigue, fever, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes and liver.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)

A condition caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) that attacks T4 lymphocytes, weakening the immune system and making the body susceptible to other infections.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

An autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the joints, causing painful swelling and stiffness due to the destruction of joint lining. Its cause is uncertain, but genetics is believed to be a factor.

Graves' Disease

A type of hyperthyroidism where the immune system causes the thyroid gland to overproduce thyroid hormones. Symptoms include fast heart rate, weight loss, muscle weakness, anxiety, and a goiter.

Sickle Cell Disease Prevalence

Affects about 70,000 to 100,000 Americans, most commonly in ethnic groups. One in 12 African Americans carries the sickle cell gene. Newborns are tested to start treatments earlier.

Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

A type of lymphoma affecting the lymphatic system, treated with chemotherapy. Actress Brittany Daniel, diagnosed with it at age 36, fought through chemotherapy and is now in remission.

Iron-deficiency anemia

This type of anemia occurs because the body doesn't have enough iron to produce hemoglobin.

Pernicious anemia

This type of anemia occurs because the body is not able to absorb enough vitamin B 12 for erythrocyte production. It is sometimes called vitamin-deficiency anemia.

Hemolytic anemia

This type of anemia is sometimes called a transfusion reaction since it results from a person receiving the wrong blood type during a blood transfusion.

White Blood Cell Count (WBC)

A test that measures the number of leukocytes (white blood cells) in the blood. An increase usually indicates an infection, while a decrease may signal immune system suppression.

White Blood Cell Differential (Diff)

A test that measures the specific types of white blood cells present. This helps identify the type of infection or immune condition.

Hematocrit

A test measuring the volume of erythrocytes (red blood cells) in the blood. Low levels indicate anemia, and high levels may be seen in people living at high altitudes or with certain health conditions like lung disease.

Hemoglobin Test

A test that measures the amount of hemoglobin in the blood, which helps assess the oxygen-carrying capacity of red blood cells. It has similar indications to hematocrit for anemia or other blood conditions.

Red Blood Cell Count

A test that measures the number of red blood cells. Low levels suggest anemia, while high levels may indicate low oxygen levels, often seen in conditions like heart disease or pulmonary issues.

Red Blood Cell Morphology

A test that checks the shape of red blood cells. It is often used to diagnose sickle cell disease.

Blood Culture and Sensitivity

A test used to detect a systemic infection. Blood is cultured to see what type of antibiotic will be effective against the infection.

Prothrombin Time

A test that measures how quickly blood clots. This is often performed along with the International Normalized Ratio (INR) to assess clotting in patients on blood thinners.

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

A type of blood clot that forms in large veins, often in the legs, and can travel to other parts of the body, causing potentially life-threatening complications.

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

A comprehensive test measuring all three types of blood cells: white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. It helps diagnose various blood disorders.

Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (Sed Rate)

A test that measures how long it takes for red blood cells to settle in a sample. It is used to detect inflammation in the body.

Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA)

A test that detects specific antibodies in the blood. It is commonly used for HIV testing, as well as Lyme disease, syphilis, and other infections.

Western Blot Test

A confirmatory test for HIV after an ELISA test, ensuring the presence of HIV antibodies.

Sequential Multiple Analyzer Computer (SMAC)

A device used to perform many of the blood tests mentioned, enabling rapid analysis.

Venipuncture (Phlebotomy)

The procedure for drawing blood from a vein, typically performed for diagnostic tests.

Scratch Test

A test for allergies in which various allergens are scratched onto the skin and observed for allergic reactions. Results can be seen in 15 minutes.

Lymphangiogram

A test that uses a special dye and x-rays to visualize the flow of lymphatic fluid through vessels and lymph nodes.

Blood Transfusion

A procedure in which blood is transferred from one person to another, either autologous (from the same person) or homologous (from a donor).

Plasmapheresis

A process where blood is removed from the body, plasma is separated, treated or replaced, and then the blood is returned to the patient.

Bone Marrow Transplant

A medical procedure that replaces damaged or destroyed bone marrow with healthy donor marrow. It is used to treat conditions like leukemia, lymphoma, and sickle cell disease.

Tonsillectomy

A surgical procedure to remove the tonsils, typically performed in cases of chronic tonsil infections such as repeated strep throat.

Blood

A body fluid containing plasma, white blood cells (leukocytes), red blood cells (erythrocytes), and platelets that help transport nutrients, gases, and waste, while also playing a key role in immune responses.

Plasma

The liquid portion of blood, making up 55% of the blood, composed of water and dissolved substances such as plasma proteins (albumin, fibrinogen, gamma globulin), minerals (calcium, potassium, sodium), glucose, amino acids, fats, and waste products.

Leukocytes

White blood cells that protect the body from infections caused by bacteria, viruses, and other foreign agents. They make up a small portion of blood (about 4%).

Erythrocytes

Red blood cells, making up 40-45% of blood, which transport oxygen to body cells and carry carbon dioxide to the lungs. They are biconcave, enucleated (without a nucleus), and get their color from hemoglobin, which contains iron.

Platelets

Cell fragments (not whole cells) responsible for blood clotting. They gather at damaged sites to form a clot and stop bleeding. Formerly called thrombocytes.

Hemoglobin

An iron-containing protein in red blood cells that binds to oxygen in the lungs and transports it to tissues while carrying carbon dioxide back to the lungs for exhalation.

Blood Transfusion

The process of transferring blood from one person to another. The donor’s blood must match the recipient’s blood type to prevent an immune reaction.

Blood Type

Determined by two markers (A and B) on red blood cells. Blood types include:

Type A

Has A marker and anti-B antibodies.

Type B

Has B marker and anti-A antibodies.

Type AB

Has both markers (A and B), no antibodies against other blood types, and is the universal recipient.

Type O

Has neither A nor B markers and is the universal donor.

Universal Recipient

People with type AB blood, who can receive blood from any blood type without an immune reaction.

Universal Donor

People with type O blood, who can donate blood to any other blood type without causing harm.

Blood Donation

The act of donating blood, which cannot be manufactured, only donated. A single blood donation can save three lives.

Lymphatic System

A network of organs and vessels that help remove waste from the body and defend against pathogens. It includes lymph nodes, lymphatic vessels, tonsils, the spleen, and the thymus gland.

Lymphatic Vessels

Small vessels similar to veins with valves to direct the flow of lymph, which is excess fluid collected from tissues containing proteins, minerals, nutrients, and waste. These vessels eventually drain into larger lymphatic ducts.

Lymph

The fluid collected by lymphatic capillaries that contains proteins, minerals, nutrients, damaged cells, bacteria, and viruses.

Lymph Nodes

Small glands along the lymphatic vessels that filter lymph. They contain lymphocytes and antibodies that help trap and destroy infectious organisms, including cancer cells.

Tonsils

Lymphatic tissue located in the throat that helps fight infections. They contain leukocytes and antibodies. The palatine tonsils are the most commonly referenced, but there are three sets of tonsils.

Thymus Gland

An organ located behind the sternum that produces thymosin, which helps mature T lymphocytes (T cells). These T cells are essential for immune defense against infection.

Spleen

An organ made of lymphatic tissue located in the upper left abdomen. It filters blood, removes harmful pathogens, breaks down old red blood cells, and stores iron and blood cells.

Macrophages

Specialized white blood cells in the spleen that remove pathogens (bacteria, viruses) and break down damaged red blood cells.

Immunity

The body's ability to protect itself from pathogens (disease-causing agents). It includes natural (innate) immunity and acquired immunity.

Pathogens

Microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and toxins, that cause diseases.

Natural Immunity (Innate Immunity)

The body's inborn defense mechanisms against pathogens, including physical barriers (skin), white blood cells (leukocytes), and specialized cells like T cells.

Acquired Immunity

Immunity that develops after the body is exposed to a pathogen. This can occur naturally (through infection) or artificially (through vaccinations). It involves the production of antibodies and immune cells specific to the pathogen.

Active Acquired Immunity

Immunity that is developed after exposure to a pathogen or through vaccination. The body builds up defenses to recognize and fight off the illness faster if exposed again.

Passive Acquired Immunity

Immunity gained by receiving antibodies from another source, such as through maternal milk or antibody injections. This type of immunity provides immediate protection but is temporary.

Antigens

Foreign proteins found on pathogens that the body recognizes as invaders. The immune system reacts to antigens by producing antibodies, T cells, and B cells to fight the invaders.

Antibodies

Proteins produced by the immune system that bind to specific antigens to neutralize or mark them for destruction.

T Cells

A type of white blood cell that plays a central role in the immune response, particularly in recognizing and attacking infected or abnormal cells.

B Cells

A type of white blood cell that produces antibodies in response to antigens.

Macrophages (in immunity)

White blood cells that engulf and digest pathogens or other harmful particles in the body.

Palatine Tonsils

most commonly talked about, found on each side of the opening of the throat

Pharyngeal tonsils

commonly called adenoids, found high in the throat above the roof of the mouth and behind the nose

Lingual tonsils

found on the surface of the base of the tongue