Lymph, Immunity, Cancer

A comprehensive set of vocabulary-style flashcards covering key terms related to the lymphatic system, immunity, and cancer from the provided lecture notes.

edema

Tissue swelling from excess interstitial fluid, often due to impaired lymph return.

interstitial fluid

Fluid located between cells.

pathogens

Germs (bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites) causing disease.

lymphatic capillaries

Smallest lymphatic vessels collecting interstitial fluid.

lymphatic vessels

Vessels formed by merging lymphatic capillaries; transport lymph.

lymphatic trunks

Large lymphatic vessels draining lymph into major ducts.

right lymphatic duct

Drains lymph into the right subclavian vein.

thoracic duct

Drains lymph into the left subclavian vein.

afferent lymphatic vessels

Lymphatic vessels entering a lymph node.

efferent lymphatic vessels

Lymphatic vessels leaving a lymph node.

lymph node

Small capsules with white blood cells that filter lymph.

lymphocytes

White blood cells (T cells and B cells) fighting pathogens.

T cells

Lymphocytes for cell-mediated immunity; mature in thymus.

B cells

Lymphocytes producing antibodies for humoral immunity.

+macrophages

White blood cells engulfing and digesting pathogens (monocytes in tissue).

Peyer’s patches

Lymphatic tissue patches in small intestine fighting pathogens.

lacteals

Intestinal lymphatic capillaries absorbing dietary fats.

appendix

Organ with lymphatic tissue, aiding immune function.

spleen

Organ filtering blood, killing pathogens and digesting old red blood cells.

thymus gland

Organ above heart maturing T cells.

tonsils

Lymphatic tissue in throat protecting respiratory tract.

adenoids

Lymphatic tissue in nasal passageways.

innate defenses

Defenses born with against pathogens.

immune responses

Defenses developed after pathogen exposure (adaptive).

primary immune response

Body's initial response to a new pathogen.

secondary immune response

Rapid, strong response to re-exposure to same pathogen.

memory T cells

T cells remembering a past pathogen.

memory B cells

B cells remembering a past pathogen.

antigens

Molecules on pathogens recognized by memory cells.

antibodies

Proteins produced by B cells destroying or neutralizing pathogens.

plasma antibody concentration

Amount of antibodies in blood plasma.

humoral immune response

B cell-mediated antibody production.

cell-mediated response

T cell-mediated attack on pathogens or infected cells; may involve perforin.

perforin

Chemical from T cells disrupting pathogen/infected cell membranes.

Naturally acquired active immunity

Immunity from fighting a natural live pathogen infection.

Artificially acquired active immunity

Immunity from vaccination with dead or weakened pathogens.

Naturally acquired passive immunity

Antibodies passed from mother to baby (pregnancy, breastfeeding).

Artificially acquired passive immunity

Temporary antibodies given by another person for short-term protection.

allergic reaction

Oversensitive immune response to a typically harmless substance.

anaphylaxis

Severe allergic reaction with bronchial constriction and low blood pressure.

hives

Raised red welts on skin from an allergic reaction.

bronchial constriction

Narrowing of lung airways.

anoxia

Complete lack of oxygen in tissues.

autoimmune disorders

Body creating antibodies against its own cells.

immune deficiency

Weakened immune response, increasing infection risk.

HIV

Human immunodeficiency virus; destroys T cells, weakens immunity.

lymphadenitis

Inflammation of lymph nodes; 'swollen glands'.

lymphangitis

Inflammation of lymphatic vessels; often with swollen nodes.

lymphedema

Abnormal buildup of lymphatic fluid in tissues; primary or secondary.

neoplasm

Abnormal cell growth; also called a tumor.

benign tumor

Tumor staying in one place, not spreading (metastasizing).

malignant tumor

Cancerous tumor that can spread (metastasize).

splenomegaly

Abnormally enlarged spleen.

splenorrhagia

Bleeding from a ruptured spleen.

lymphoma

Cancer starting in lymphatic tissue.

lumpectomy

Surgical removal of a cancerous lump with a margin of healthy tissue.

mastectomy

Surgical removal of the entire breast and nipple.

radiation therapy

Uses high-energy waves or particles to destroy cancer cells.

antiangiogenesis

Treatment stopping new blood vessel formation to tumors.

antibiotics

Medications killing pathogenic bacteria.

antineoplastic

Medications stopping cancer cell growth or development.

antiviral medications

Medications disrupting virus reproduction.

immunosuppressant

Medication preventing or slowing down the immune response.

interferon therapy

Treatment using glycoproteins boosting immune response against cancer or viruses.

biopsy

Removal of tissue sample for microscopic examination.

needle biopsy

Inserting needle into tissue for fluid or cell sample.

brush biopsy

Removing cell samples from an organ by brushing.

cone biopsy

Surgical removal of a cone-shaped tissue piece, often from cervix.

sentinel node biopsy

Surgically removing lymph nodes closest to cancer site to check for spread.

shave biopsy

Removing a shallow layer of skin using a blade.

ELISA

Blood test screening for HIV antibodies.

lymphoscintigraphy

Diagnostic test using radioactive material to visualize lymph nodes and vessels.

MRI

Magnetic resonance imaging; imaging using strong magnetic field and radio waves.

mammography

Breast X-ray to screen for tumors.

staging

Classifying cancer by size, spread, and treatment potential.

axillary lymph nodes

Lymph nodes located under the armpit.

cervical lymph nodes

Lymph nodes located in the neck area.

sign

Objective evidence of a disease or disorder, can be measured or observed.

symptom

Subjective feeling or experience reported by the patient.