Lymphatic and Immune Systems Flashcards

Flashcards on Lymphatic and Immune Systems, Medical Terminology

Lacteals

Specialized structures of the lymphatic system that absorb fats and fat-soluble vitamins via the small intestine.

Lymph

Clear, watery fluid containing electrolytes and proteins, formed from interstitial fluid. Works with the immune system to protect the body.

Lymphatic Capillaries

Microscopic, blind-ended tubes near the body's surface that are the origin of lymphatic vessels.

Cervical Lymph Nodes

Located along the sides of the neck.

Axillary Lymph Nodes

Located under the arms (armpits).

Inguinal Lymph Nodes

Located in the inguinal (groin) area of the lower abdomen.

Lymphocytes

Leukocytes that defend the body against antigens.

Natural killer cells (NK cells)

Lymphocytes that play a role in killing cancer cells and cells infected by viruses.

B cells (B lymphocytes)

Lymphocytes that produce antibodies and transform into plasma cells to destroy specific antigens.

T cells (T lymphocytes)

Lymphocytes that play a central role in cell-mediated immunity; originate in the thymus.

Cytokines

Group of proteins (including interferons and interleukins) that act as intracellular signals to begin the immune response.

Interferons

Proteins that activate the immune system, fight viruses, and signal other cells to increase defenses.

Interleukins

Proteins that play multiple roles in the immune system, directing B and T cells to divide and proliferate.

Tonsils

Three masses of lymphoid tissue that form a protective ring around the back of the nose and upper throat.

Adenoids (nasopharyngeal tonsils)

Located in the nasopharynx.

Palatine tonsils

Located on the left and right sides of the throat in the area visible at the back of the mouth.

Lingual tonsils

Located at the base of the tongue.

Thymus Gland

Mass of lymphoid tissue above the heart that secretes a hormone stimulating lymphocyte maturation into T cells.

Vermiform Appendix

Hangs from the lower portion of the cecum and plays a role in the immune system.

Spleen

Sac-like mass of lymphoid tissue in the left upper quadrant of the abdomen that filters microorganisms, forms lymphocytes/monocytes, destroys worn-out erythrocytes, and stores extra erythrocytes.

Pathogens

Disease-producing microorganisms.

Allergens

Substances that produce allergic reactions.

Toxins

Poisonous or harmful substances.

Malignant cells

Potentially life-threatening cancer cells.

Intact skin

Physical barrier against invading organisms, covered with an acid mantle.

Respiratory system

Traps breathed-in foreign matter.

Digestive system

Uses acids and enzymes to destroy invaders.

Antigen–Antibody Reaction

Binds antigens to antibodies, labeling dangerous antigens.

Tolerance

Acquired unresponsiveness to a specific antigen.

Antibodies

Disease-fighting proteins.

Phagocytes

Specialized leukocytes that destroy substances in phagocytosis.

Monocytes

Leukocytes that provide immunological defenses; become macrophages and dendritic cells.

Macrophages

Leukocytes that surround and kill invading cells.

Dendritic cells

Cells that patrol the body, grab antigens, swallow them, and alert B and T cells.

Complement system

Proteins that circulate in the blood in an inactive form and ward off pathogens by combining with them.

Immunity

Resistance to a disease.

Natural immunity (passive immunity)

Resistance to a disease present without exposure.

Acquired immunity

Immunity obtained by having had a contagious disease.

Vaccination

Provides disease protection.

Allergist

Specialist in diagnosing/treating allergic reactions.

Infectious disease specialist

Specialist in diagnosing/treating diseases caused by microorganisms.

Immunologist

Specialist in diagnosing/treating disorders of the immune system.

Lymphologist

Specialist in diagnosing/treating disorders of the lymphatic system.

Oncologist

Specialist in diagnosing/treating malignant disorders, such as tumors and cancer.

Lymphadenitis

Inflammation of the lymph nodes.

Lymphadenopathy

Any disease process affecting a lymph node or nodes.

Lymphangioma

Benign tumor formed by an abnormal collection of lymphatic vessels.

Splenomegaly

Abnormal enlargement of the spleen.

Lymphoscintigraphy

Diagnostic test using a radioactive substance to detect lymphatic vessel damage.

Lymphedema

Swelling of tissues due to lymph fluid accumulation.

Primary lymphedema

Hereditary lymphedema condition.

Secondary lymphedema

Lymphedema caused by damage to lymphatic vessels.

Bioimpedance spectroscopy

Noninvasive method of diagnosing lymphedema by measuring resistance to an electrical current.

Allergy (hypersensitivity)

Overreaction to a particular antigen.

Systemic reaction

Severe response to an allergen; anaphylactic shock.

Antihistamines

Medications to relieve or prevent allergy symptoms.

Autoimmune Disorders

Immune system producing antibodies against its own tissues.

Immunodeficiency Disorders

Compromised immune response.

Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID)

Increased susceptibility to infection.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)

Damages or kills T cells, causing immune system failure.

Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)

Advanced and fatal stage of HIV.

Opportunistic infection

Caused by a pathogen that doesn't normally produce illness in healthy humans.

Kaposi’s sarcoma

Opportunistic infection associated with HIV; cancer.

ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay)

Screening test for HIV.

HIV differentiation assay

Confirms positive ELISA test for HIV.

Immunotherapy

Stimulating or repressing the immune response.

Allergy desensitization/allergen immunotherapy

Treatment to decrease or stop a normal response to an allergen.

Synthetic immunoglobulins (immune serum)

Used as post-exposure preventive measure against certain viruses.

Synthetic interferon

Used for multiple sclerosis, hepatitis C, and some cancers.

Monoclonal antibodies

Antibodies produced in the laboratory, enhance immune response to malignancies.

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)

Daily preventative drug for people at high risk of HIV.

Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP)

For people with suspected or confirmed HIV exposure.

Immunosuppression

Represses or interferes with the ability of the immune system to respond.

Immunosuppressant

Prevents or reduces the body’s normal immune response.

Corticosteroid drug

Synthetic hormone resembling cortisol, secreted by the adrenal glands.

Cytotoxic drug

Medication that kills or damages cells; used as immunosuppressants or antineoplastics.

Pathogen

Microorganism that causes disease in humans.

Bacteria

One-celled microscopic organisms.

Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria

Occur when antibiotics fail to kill all of the bacteria they target.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)

Resistant to most antibiotics; serious and can be fatal.

Fungus

Simple parasitic organism.

Yeast

Type of fungus.

Parasites

Plants or animals living on or within a living organism at the expense of that organism.

Viruses

Very small infectious agents that live only by invading other cells.

Herpesviruses

Group of viruses that cause a variety of diseases in humans.

Antibiotics

Medications capable of inhibiting growth or killing pathogenic bacterial microorganisms.

Bactericide

Causes the death of bacteria.

Bacteriostatic agent

Slows or stops the growth of bacteria.

Antifungal

Destroys or inhibits the growth of fungi.

Antiviral drug

Treats viral infections or provides temporary immunity.

Tumors

Abnormal growth of body tissue.

Benign tumor

Not a form of cancer and not life-threatening.

Malignant tumor

Form of cancer; capable of spreading.

Angiogenesis

Process through which a tumor supports its growth by creating its own blood supply.

Antiangiogenesis

Treatment that disrupts the blood supply to the tumor.

Cancer

Uncontrolled division of cells; ability to invade other tissues.

Metastasize

Spread from one place to another.

Metastasis

Process by which cancer is spread to a new site.

Carcinomas

Malignant tumor that occurs in epithelial tissue; tends to infiltrate and produce metastases.

Carcinoma in situ

Malignant tumor in its original position; has not yet disturbed surrounding tissues.