OT200 Chapter 6

Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome

Advanced stage of HIV infection characterized by severe immune system damage and the presence of opportunistic infections.

Allergen

Substance that produces an allergic reaction.

Anaphylaxis

Severe, life-threatening allergic reaction characterized by respiratory distress, hypotension, and possible shock.

Antibiotics

Medications that destroy or inhibit the growth of bacteria.

Antibody

Protein produced by B cells that binds to a specific antigen to neutralize or destroy it.

Antifungal

Medication used to treat infections caused by fungi.

Antigen

Substance recognized by the immune system as foreign and capable of triggering an immune response.

Antigen-antibody reaction

Binding of a specific antibody to its matching antigen to neutralize or mark it for destruction.

Autoimmune disorder

Condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues.

Bacilli

Rod-shaped bacteria.

Bacteria

Single-celled microorganisms that can be harmless or pathogenic.

Benign

Noncancerous growth that does not invade surrounding tissues or spread.

Candidiasis

Yeast infection caused by Candida species, often affecting moist areas of the body.

Carcinoma

Malignant tumor that arises from epithelial cells lining organs or skin.

Carcinoma in situ

Early-stage cancer confined to the layer of cells in which it originated and not yet invasive.

Complement system

Group of proteins in blood plasma that enhances the immune response by destroying pathogens and promoting inflammation.

Cytokines

Proteins released by immune cells that regulate immune responses and cell communication.

Cytomegalovirus

Common herpesvirus that may remain dormant and can cause serious illness in immunocompromised individuals or newborns.

Cytotoxic drug

Medication that kills or damages cells, often used in chemotherapy.

Ductal carcinoma in situ

Early-stage breast cancer confined to the milk ducts and not yet invasive.

Hemolytic

Pertaining to destruction of red blood cells.

Herpes zoster

Viral infection caused by varicella-zoster virus, producing a painful rash known as shingles.

Hodgkin’s lymphoma

Cancer of the lymphatic system characterized by the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells.

Human immunodeficiency virus

Virus that attacks and destroys CD4 T lymphocytes, weakening the immune system.

Immunoglobulins

Classes of antibodies (IgG, IgA, IgM, IgD, IgE) produced by B cells to identify and neutralize pathogens.

Immunosuppressant

Medication that reduces or inhibits the body’s immune response.

Immunotherapy

Treatment that stimulates or restores the immune system’s ability to fight disease.

Infectious mononucleosis

Viral illness caused by Epstein-Barr virus, characterized by fever, sore throat, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes.

Infiltrating ductal carcinoma

Invasive breast cancer that begins in the milk ducts and spreads into surrounding tissue.

Interferons

Proteins produced by cells in response to viral infection that interfere with viral replication and activate immune cells.

Lymphadenopathy

Enlargement or disease of the lymph nodes.

Lymphangioma

Benign tumor formed by an abnormal collection of lymphatic vessels.

Lymphedema

Swelling caused by accumulation of lymph fluid due to obstruction or damage to lymphatic vessels.

Lymphocytes

White blood cells (T cells, B cells, and natural killer cells) that play key roles in immune defense.

Lymphoma

Cancer of lymphatic tissue, including lymph nodes, spleen, or thymus.

Lymphoscintigraphy

Diagnostic imaging technique used to detect abnormalities in the lymphatic system.

Macrophage

Large phagocytic white blood cell that engulfs and destroys pathogens and debris.

Malaria

Parasitic disease transmitted by mosquitoes, characterized by cycles of fever and chills.

Malignant

Cancerous growth that invades surrounding tissues and can spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body.

Mammography

Radiographic imaging technique used to detect breast tumors and abnormalities.

Metastasis

Spread of cancer cells from the primary site to distant organs through blood or lymphatic circulation.

Metastasize

Process by which cancer cells spread from the original tumor to other parts of the body.

Myoma

Benign tumor composed of muscle tissue.

Myosarcoma

Malignant tumor arising from muscle tissue.

Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma

Group of lymphomas that do not contain Reed-Sternberg cells.

Opportunistic infection

Infection caused by organisms that take advantage of a weakened immune system.

Osteosarcoma

Malignant tumor originating in bone tissue.

Parasite

Organism that lives on or in another organism and derives nourishment at the host’s expense.

Rabies

Viral infection transmitted through animal bites that affects the central nervous system and is usually fatal if untreated.

Rickettsia

Type of bacteria transmitted by ticks, lice, or fleas, causing diseases such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

Rubella

Contagious viral disease (German measles) characterized by rash and mild fever.

Sarcoma

Malignant tumor arising from connective tissues such as bone, muscle, or cartilage.

Spirochetes

Long, slender, spiral-shaped bacteria.

Splenomegaly

Enlargement of the spleen.

Staphylococci

Cluster-forming spherical bacteria commonly found on skin and mucous membranes.

Streptococci

Chain-forming spherical bacteria, some species of which cause infections such as strep throat.

Systemic reaction

Immune response that affects the entire body rather than a localized area.

Teletherapy

Radiation therapy delivered from a distance to treat cancer.

Toxoplasmosis

Infection caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, often transmitted through undercooked meat or cat feces.

Varicella

Highly contagious viral infection (chickenpox) caused by varicella-zoster virus.