Defense Against Disease Vocabulary Flashcards

A set of vocabulary flashcards based on the lecture notes about defense against diseases and the immune system.

Pathogen

Microorganisms that cause disease.

Infectious Disease

An illness caused by pathogens that can be transmitted from one organism to another.

Genetic Cause

A cause of disease determined by the alleles a person has.

Environmental Cause

Disease caused by toxic chemicals or radiation in the environment.

Blood Clotting

The process initiated by platelets that prevents excessive blood loss from cuts or injuries.

Phagocytes

White blood cells that engulf and digest pathogens.

Innate Immune System

The part of the immune system that responds to broad categories of pathogens quickly.

Adaptive Immune System

The immune system that responds specifically to pathogens and creates memory cells.

Antigen

Glycoprotein on the surface of pathogens that stimulates antibody production.

Antibody

A protein produced by lymphocytes in response to an antigen; it recognizes and binds to that antigen.

Lymphocyte

A type of white blood cell that is part of the adaptive immune system; includes B and T cells.

Cytokines

Chemical messengers released by activated helper T-cells to activate B lymphocytes.

Mitosis

The process by which B lymphocytes divide to produce more cells capable of producing antibodies.

Memory Cells

B-cells that remain in the bloodstream after an infection and help provide long-lasting immunity.

Vaccination

The administration of a vaccine to stimulate an immune response.

Herd Immunity

Immunity that occurs when a significant portion of a population becomes immune to a disease.

Endocytosis

The process by which phagocytes engulf pathogens.

Epidemic

A widespread occurrence of an infectious disease in a community at a particular time.

Zoonosis

A disease that can be transmitted from animals to humans.

Measles

A viral infection that results in a high fever and a characteristic rash.

MRSA

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, a strain of bacteria resistant to many antibiotics.

Antibiotics

Chemicals that inhibit the growth of bacteria.

Infectious Disease Transmission

The spread of disease from infected to uninfected individuals.

Cholera

An infectious disease caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, typically spread through contaminated water.

Natural Selection

The process wherein organisms with advantageous traits survive and reproduce.

Contaminated Water

Water that contains harmful pathogens or substances.

Pathogen Entry

The method by which pathogens enter the host body.

Blood Type O

A blood type that does not have A or B antigens.

Sewage System

Infrastructure developed to remove waste water from communities, reducing disease spread.

Erythrocytes

Red blood cells that carry oxygen and can also be involved in antibody production.

Influenza

A viral infection of the respiratory system that can cause severe illness.

Fungi

A category of pathogens including yeasts and molds that can cause diseases.

Antibodies and Immunity

The role of antibodies in recognizing and neutralizing pathogens.

Vaccines

Preparations used to stimulate an immune response against specific diseases.

B-lymphocytes or B-cells

A type of lymphocyte that produces antibodies.

Helper T-lymphocytes

Activated T-cells that help activate B-cells and other immune cells.

Thrombin

An enzyme that plays a role in blood clotting by converting fibrinogen into fibrin.

Sebaceous Glands

Glands in the skin that secrete sebum to lower pH, inhibiting bacterial growth.

Mucous Membranes

Tissues that secrete mucus to trap pathogens and protect entry points.

Sewage Contamination

The contamination of water supplies by human waste.

Causative Agent

The pathogen responsible for causing a specific disease.

Toxoplasmosis

An infection caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, often found in cat feces.

Active Immunity

Immunity that results from the production of antibodies by one's own immune system.

Passive Immunity

Immunity gained from external sources such as maternal antibodies.

Primary Response

The immune system's initial response to an antigen.

Secondary Response

The immune response upon re-exposure to an antigen, which is faster and stronger.

Public Health

The practice of protecting and improving the health of people in a community.

Bacterial Infection Example

Tuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Historical Context of Disease

Significant past events or outbreaks that provide insight into understanding current diseases.

Resistance Mechanisms

Ways in which organisms can survive despite the presence of antibiotics.

Virus

A non-living infectious agent that requires a host cell to replicate.

Virulence

The degree of pathogenicity of an organism, or how severe the disease it causes.