Diseases

Term 2, 2026 revision vocab

Pathogens/microbes

Micro-organism that cause disease when it enters body

Disease

Any condition that affects a living thing, or part of a living thing that functions

Example:

Cancer

Cold

Asthma

Antigen

Protein/molecule unique on every pathogen

Antibody

Protein made of B cells, specific to one antigen. Destroys and neutralizes antigen

B cells

Produce antibodies and store memory of specific antigen

T cells (helper cells)

Helper T cells - Coordinate immune response

Killer T cells - Kill infected cells

Cilia

Microscopic hair like organelles, traps dust, mucus and pathogens. Moves out of airway (mucociliary escalator)

Phagocytes

Non - specific white blood cells that engulf pathogens. Attack anything foreign and release chemicals which cause inflammation

Lymphocytes

General term for both the B and T white blood cells

Preventions

PPE (Personal Protection Equipment)

Vaccination

Hygiene practices

Safe food and water practices

Quarantine

Travel restrictions

Inflammation

Tissues are damaged or pathogens enter, body triggers blood cells to widen to protect and heal the area

Macrophage

Large white blood cells, second line of defense. Engulf and ingest pathogens

Microphage (neutrophils)

Quick attackers, second line of defense. Die soon after and form pus at site

Vaccination

Safe way of training immune system to a specific disease through exposure

Vector

Disease transmitted from animals

Infectious

Caused by pathogen, does not have to spread person to person

Contagious

Spreads person‑to‑person
All contagious diseases are infectious but not all infectious diseases are contagious.

Epidemic

A sudden increase in cases of disease in one region.

Pandemic

Worldwide spread for disease

Endemic

Disease consistently present in an area

Bacteria

Living, single cell organisms

DNA with no nucleus

Can reproduce on their own

Virus

Non - living cell

Contains DNA or RNA

Infect living host to reproduce

Fungi

Eukaryotic cells

Alive

Parasites

Organisms that live inside another organism

Depend on host

Prions

Misfolded proteins

Cause neurodegenerative diseases

MMR + MMRV

Live attenuated virus

Strong long lasting immunity

Treats measles, mumps, rubella, (chicken pox)

dTpa + DTPa

Acellular bacterial components

No live bacteria

Diphtheria, tetanus, whooping coughing