Mod 12 Chapter 14: The Lymphatic/Immune System

Vocabulary flashcards for Chapter 14 covering essential concepts from the Lymphatic/Immune System.

Lymphatic System

A system composed of lymph, lymph vessels, lymph nodes, and organs that helps in immune responses and fluid balance.

Lymphocytes

A type of white blood cell essential to the immune system, produced in lymphatic tissue.

Antigens

Substances recognized by the immune system as foreign, triggering an immune response.

Allergens

Harmless substances that can provoke an inappropriate immune response, causing allergies.

First line of defense

The body's initial barriers against infection, including skin and mucous membranes.

Inflammation process

The body's second line of defense, characterized by redness, swelling, and warmth following tissue injury.

Helper T cells

A subtype of T cells that assist other immune cells in performing their functions.

Suppressor T cells

T cells that regulate or suppress immune responses, preventing overactivity.

Memory T cells

T cells that retain a memory of past infections, enabling a quicker response upon re-exposure.

Humoral immunity

The aspect of immunity that involves the production of antibodies by B cells.

Immunoglobulins

Proteins produced by B cells that function as antibodies in the immune response.

Complement system

A group of proteins that work together to enhance the immune response by marking pathogens for destruction.

Natural Killer (NK) Cells

A type of immune cell that can kill cancer cells and virus-infected cells without prior sensitization.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)

A disease caused by HIV that severely weakens the immune system.

Opportunistic infections

Infections that occur more frequently and are more severe in individuals with weakened immune systems.

Carcinogens

Substances that can lead to cancer by damaging DNA or disrupting cellular processes.

Biopsy

A diagnostic procedure involving the removal and examination of tissue to detect disease.

Venipuncture

The puncture of a vein to obtain blood for testing or treatment.

Blood types

Classification of blood based on the presence of specific antigens on red blood cells.

Rh factor

An antigen present on the surface of red blood cells that can cause complications in blood transfusions.

Lymphedema

Swelling in the tissues caused by an accumulation of lymphatic fluid.