CH 6, Section II – Lymphatic & Immune Systems Study Guide

The concepts and, terms and word parts on the CH 6, Section II – Lymphatic and Immune Systems Quiz

interstitial fluid

the fluid that exists between cells within body tissues; less known as intercellular

lymph

the fluid within the lymph vessels; once interstitial fluid enters the lymph vessels it is called lymph

lymphatic system

a network of lymph vessels and nodes; picks up excess interstitial fluid, cleanse it of unwanted materials, returns the lymph fluid to the circulatory system and has specialized cells that absorb fats by the digestive system and transport them

lymph capillaries

picks up interstitial fluid that exist within the various tissues of the body

lymph ducts

the two largest lymph vessels that return the lymph fluid to the circulatory system via their connection to the right and left subclavian veins

lymph vessels

an extensive network of vessels that carries lymph to the lymph nodes and eventually to the lymph ducts

lymph nodes (aka. – lymph glands)

cleanse the lymph fluid of unwanted materials such as pathogens, toxins, and waste products of cellular metabolism as lymph passes through them; aka. – lymph glands

axillary

pertaining to the armpits

cervical

pertaining to the neck

inguinal

pertaining to the groin

mediastinal

pertaining to the mediastinum, located in the center of the thoracic cavity

mesentery

the folds of the membranes that hold the intestines in place

tonsils

collections of lymphatic tissue located on each side of pharynx that act as filters to protect the body from invasion of pathogens through digestive or respiratory systems

pharyngeal tonsil

so called because they are located in the pharynx (throat)

adenoid

chronic hypertrophy of the pharyngeal tonsil

palatine tonsils

so named because they are in tissue connected to the soft palate

lingual tonsil

so named because they are located at the bottom of the tongue

spleen

an organ that is part of the lymphatic system which fights invading germs in the blood; located in the left upper quadrant (LUQ); it also stores a significant amount of blood

thymus gland

an endocrine gland that also plays a role in the immune system; it is essential for proper development of immune in children; located in the mediastinum

acquired immunity

a state of immunity that is developed in response to a specific antigen; it is the result of an infection or immunization

flora/normal body flora

the bllions of bacteria that exist in the GI tract and the bllions of bacteria and fungi that coexist on our skin

immunity

the body’s ability to defend itself against pathogens

immunologist

a physician that specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases and other disorders of the immune​ system

leukocytes

cells of the immune system that help protect the body against foreign invaders and infectious disease

natural (innate) immunity

a state of immunity that is naturally present from birth to death; the mechanisms people are born with that respond to foreign pathogens such as skin, chemicals in the blood, sweat and tears and some types of leukocytes

innate

inborn, natural

antigen

identifying markers on all cells that indicate whether a cell is​ one's own or a foreign cell

cytotoxic cells

cells that produce molecules that act as a poison/toxin to pathogenic cells; T lymphocytes and natural killer cells are examples

pathogenic

disease-causing organisms/agents

humoral immunity

pertaining to the adaptive immunity that takes place in the extracellular fluids; the production of antibodies to attack pathogens

humoral

pertaining to fluids

infection

invasion and growth of disease-causing, parasitic organisms in the body, such as fungi, bacteria, and viruses

nosocomial infection

an infection a patient develops in a healthcare setting

standard precautions

mandatory guidelines for all employees at risk of exposure to body fluids and all nosocomial infections; hand washing is the most effective method of preventing the spread of infectious diseases

immunologist

physician specializing in immunology

urticaria

hives; the appearance of swollen, pale-red raised areas on the skin as part of an allergic reaction

inflammation

tissue injury response that causes redness, pain, swelling, and hot to the touch

lymphedema

edema appearing in the extremities due to an obstruction of the lymph flow through the lymphatic vessels

pruritis/pruritus

itchy; the severe itching associated with hives

splenomegaly

an enlarged spleen

allergen

a substance that induces a hypersensitivity/allergic reaction

⦁ allergy

a hypersensitivity to a common substance

anaphylaxis

a​ life-threatening, severe allergic response to antigens such as bee​ stings, nuts, and medications

contact dermatitis

skin irritation caused by coming in direct contact with an allergen; includes redness and itching of the skin

lymphadenitis

infection/inflammation of the lymph nodes; referred to as swollen glands

lymphoma

a tumor in lymphatic tissue

lymphangitis

the inflammation of a lymph vessel

neoplasm

a mass of new abnormal tissue growth

neoplasm

a mass of new abnormal tissue growth

tonsillitis

inflammation of the tonsils

acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)

the late stage of HIV infection that occurs when the body’s immune system has been so badly damaged that opportunistic infections occur

autoimmune disease

a disease resulting from the body’s immune system attacking its own cells as if they were pathogens

immunocompromised

an immune system that is unable to respond properly to pathogens due to a disease process; also called immunodeficiency

opportunistic infections

infectious diseases associated with patients who have compromised immune systems and therefore a lowered resistance to infections and parasites

metastasize

the spreading of cancer cells to other parts of the body; one of the quickest ways for a cancer to spread is for it to enter the lymphatic system

allergy shots

injections of tiny amounts of allergen used to stimulate reduced sensitivity to an allergen; a type of immunotherapy (allergen immunotherapy)

immunotherapy

any therapy the stimulates or suppresses the immune system to treat disease/disorders

lymphadenectomy

surgical removal/excision of lymph nodes

splenectomy

surgical removal of the spleen

thymectomy

surgical removal of the thymus gland

tonsillectomy

surgical removal of the tonsils

antihistamine

blocks the effects of histamine; a first line drug for patients having an acute allergic reaction that reduces hives and itching

corticosteroids

a hormone that has very strong anti-inflammatory properties; particularly effective in treating autoimmune diseases

immunosuppressant

an agent that suppress the actions of the immune system; required to prevent rejection of a transplanted organ