Science - Disease

Bacterium

A single-celled microbe that does not have a nucleus.

Antibody

A protein made by the immune system that recognises and helps destroy specific pathogens.

Memory Cell

An immune B-cell that recognises pathogens, allowing the body to respond faster.

First Line Of Defence

The body’s physical and chemical barriers that prevent pathogens from entering.

Infection Rate

The rate at which a disease spreads or new people become affected in a population.

Infection

When a pathogen enters the body and begins to reproduce.

Contagious Disease

A disease that can spread from one person to another.

Non-Contagious Disease

A disease that cannot spread from one person to another.

Fungus

An organism with complex cells that feeds off a living host.

Microbe

A living organism that is too small to be seen by the naked eye.

Inflammation

A response that causes redness, swelling, heat and pain.

Phagocyte

A type of white blood cells that engulfs and destroys pathogens.

Infectious Disease

A disease caused by a pathogen that can be transmitted between organisms.

Physical Barrier

A body defence that prevents pathogens from entering, such as skin.

Fever

An increase in core body temperature that helps the immune system fight infection.

Disease

A condition that disrupt the normal functioning of the body.

Chemical Barrier

A substance that helps destroy or prevent pathogens, such as mucus.

Mucus

A sticky substance that traps pathogens and prevent them from entering the body.

Herd Immunity

Protection from a disease that occurs when a large proportion of a population is immune.

Second Line Of Defence

The body’s internal, non-specific immune response that attacks pathogens.