pt 2

Immune system

the network of organs, tissues, vessels, and cells that defends the body against harmful substances.

Immunity

protection against disease.

Immunization

providing protection from disease by exposing the body to a disease-specific antigen.

Immunodeficiency

the inability of the body to fight infections and disease.

Immunosenescence

age-related decline in immune system function.

Incontinence

inability to control the flow of urine.

Incubation period

the time between infection and the appearance of symptoms.

Infection

the invasion and multiplication of disease-causing microorganisms in the body.

Infectious disease

a disease caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites, or toxins.

Inflammation

the body's response to harmful microorganisms or foreign substances that causes redness, swelling, heat, and soreness.

Informed consent

a patient's written permission for treatment after understanding all relevant information.

Insulin

a hormone that helps move glucose from the blood into cells for energy.

Invasive

a test or procedure that enters the body and may cause pain.

Irreversible condition

a condition that cannot be cured and is fatal without life-sustaining treatment.

Ischemia

reduced blood flow caused by narrowing or blockage of a blood vessel.

Ischemic stroke

a stroke caused by a blood clot blocking blood flow to the brain.

Jaundice

yellowing of the skin and eyes caused by excess bilirubin.

Ketoacidosis

dangerously high levels of ketones in the blood.

Killer T-cells

immune cells that destroy infected or abnormal cells.

Leukemia

a general term for blood cancers.

Leukopenia

abnormally low white blood cell count.

Living will

a legal document stating end-of-life medical treatment wishes.

Localized disease

a disease affecting only one part of the body.

LDL (low-density lipoprotein)

the "bad" cholesterol that contributes to plaque buildup.

Lymph

body fluid that carries immune cells.

Lymphocyte

a white blood cell.

Lymphoma

cancer of the lymphatic system.

Malaise

a general feeling of illness or discomfort.

Malnourishment

lack of adequate nutrients, vitamins, or minerals.

Medical condition

a broad term that includes diseases, disorders, and normal conditions like pregnancy.

Meningitis

inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

Menopause

the permanent end of menstrual periods after 12 consecutive months.

Metabolic disease

a disease involving abnormal metabolism.

Metabolism

the body's chemical process of converting food into energy.

Metastasis

the spread of cancer cells to another part of the body.

Microorganism

a microscopic organism capable of causing disease.

mmHg

millimeters of mercury; the unit used to measure blood pressure.

Morbidity

illness, injury, or disability.

Mortality

death.

Mucosa

the lining of the digestive tract.

Myeloma

a blood cancer affecting plasma cells in the bone marrow.

Myocardial infarction

heart attack caused by blocked blood flow to the heart.

Myocarditis

inflammation of the heart muscle caused by infection.

Natural immunity

protection a person is born with.

Neoplasia

new tissue formation or growth.

Neoplasm

an abnormal mass of tissue caused by uncontrolled cell growth.

Nephrectomy

surgical removal of a kidney.

Neuropathic pain

pain caused by nerve damage.

Noncompliant

a patient who does not follow a treatment plan.

Noninvasive

a test or procedure causing little or no pain.

NSAIDs

nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Advil.

Osteoarthritis

degenerative arthritis caused by wear and tear on joints.

Osteoporosis

progressive thinning and weakening of bones.

Pain

an unpleasant sensation caused by injury, disease, or dysfunction.

Palliative care

care focused on comfort rather than curing disease.

Pallor

abnormal paleness of the skin.

Parasite

an organism that lives on or in another organism and causes harm.

Passive immunity

immunity borrowed from another source.

Pathogen (germ)

a microorganism that causes disease.

Pathogenic

capable of causing disease.

Patient autonomy

a patient's right to make informed healthcare decisions.

Pericarditis

inflammation of the membrane surrounding the heart.

Perimenopause

the transition period before menopause.

Phlebotomy

the procedure of drawing blood.

Plaque

a buildup of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other materials inside arteries.

Plasma

the liquid portion of blood.

Platelets

cell fragments that help blood clot.

Polyps

abnormal tissue growths on body surfaces.

Postmenopause

the stage after menopause.

Prehypertension

blood pressure above normal but below hypertension.

Prevention

actions taken to reduce or eliminate disease.

Progesterone

female hormone important for pregnancy.

Prognosis

the expected outcome of a disease.

Protective factor

a factor that lowers the chance of developing disease.

Protozoa

single-celled parasites that can live in the body.

Pulmonary embolism

a blood clot blocking arteries in the lungs.

Quality of life

a person's overall physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being.

Rectum

the section of the digestive tract that stores feces before elimination.

Red blood cells

cells that carry oxygen throughout the body.

Remission

a period when disease signs and symptoms decrease or disappear.

Restless leg syndrome

a disorder causing an uncontrollable urge to move the legs.

Risk factor

a characteristic that increases the chance of disease.

Sarcomas

cancers that arise from muscle or bone tissue.

Scab

an external blood clot covering a wound.

Sciatica

pain that follows the sciatic nerve.

Secretions

fluids released by the immune system.

Seizure

uncontrolled brain activity causing abnormal movements or behavior.

Self-efficacy

confidence in one's ability to perform a behavior successfully.

Sepsis

a life-threatening bloodstream infection causing widespread inflammation.

Septum

the wall separating the left and right sides of the heart.

Sign

objective evidence of disease observed during examination.

Sinusitis

inflammation of the sinuses.

Somatization

physical symptoms without an identifiable diagnosis.

Sphincter

a circular muscle that controls the opening and closing of a body passage.

Staging

the extent to which cancer has spread.

Stem cell

an immature blood cell formed in bone marrow.

Stent

a small tube placed in an artery to keep it open.

Stroke

an interruption of blood flow to the brain.

Symptom

a subjective problem experienced and reported by the patient.

Syncope

fainting due to decreased blood flow to the brain.