Y9 Science Wordlist - 9.2 Diseases

Antibody

A protein produced in response to a specific antigen.

Antigen

A substance that induces an immune response.

Central nervous system

A part of the nervous system consisting of the brain and spinal cord.

Disease

An illness or condition of the body affecting the way an organism, or parts of an organism, or its organs, function.

Disorder

A disturbance of physical, mental, or genetic health.

Effector

An organ (a gland or muscle) that becomes active in response to nerve impulse and brings about a specific response.

Endocrine system

The body system that consists of the endocrine glands that secrete hormones into the bloodstream.

Endemic

Of a disease, commonly found in a particular community or locality.

Epidemic

A temporary occurrence of a disease that spreads rapidly and extensively within a specific area, typically affecting a significantly higher number of individuals than expected.

Feedback loops (mechanism)

Reactions in response to environmental change.

Positive feedback loops

Cause one or more components to increase overall, creating a negative impact on the ecosystem.

Negative feedback loops

Positive impact on the ecosystem because it decreases the impact of change, bringing it closer to dynamic equilibrium.

Homeostasis

The ability of an organism to maintain stable internal conditions despite external changes.

Hormone

Chemical messenger secreted by glands which affects the metabolism or behaviour of target cells.

Immunity

The condition of being protected from a pathogen, due to prior exposure or by vaccination.

Infectious (disease)

Caused by a pathogen, they can be passed from one living thing to another.

Inflammation

An immune response to a pathogen or foreign body involving increased blood flow to the site, swelling and redness.

Lymphocyte

A type of WBC involved in the immune response. Two types: T-cells and B-cells.

Neuron

Cells that conduct impulses. Make up nerves, the brain and the spinal cord. Motor, sensory, inter.

Non-infectious (disease)

Cannot be transmitted. Genetic, lifestyle, environmental, or a combo.

Pathogen

A biological agent that causes a disease.

Pandemic

A disease prevalent throughout an entire country or continent, or the whole world.

Peripheral nervous system

A part of the nervous system (nerves) which connects the central nervous system to sensory organs, other organs of the body, muscles, blood vessels and glands.

Phagocytosis

Specialised WBC (phagocyte) engulfs and digests debris and invading microorganisms.

Receptor

A cell or group of cells that detects stimuli

Stimulus

Any change in the environment (interal or external) that may be detected by an organism.

Vaccination (short)

The process of gaining immunity to a disease

Vaccination (long)

The process of administering a vaccine (usually weak pathogen) to stimulate the immune system to develop immunity against a specific infectious disease. Protection from future infections.

Feedback

When a response affects the original stimulus and the body is able to adjust its responses

Modulator

Connecting system where information from receptor is processes and responded to, e.g, brain