Blood, Lymphatic, and Immune Systems Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering key medical terms, combining forms, specialties, and blood/immune elements from Chapter 6.

antibody

Protein released by blood cells to destroy invading foreign organisms or substances.

antigen

Substance that, on entering the body, prompts the generation of antibodies, causing an immune response.

autoimmune

Type of immune response by the body against its own cells or tissues.

capillaries

Microscopic blood vessels that connect the ends of the smallest arteries (arterioles) with the smallest veins (venules) of the circulatory system.

hematopoiesis

Production and development of blood cells, normally in the bone marrow; also called hemopoiesis.

immune response

Defense function of the body that protects it against invading pathogens, foreign tissues, and malignancies.

immunodeficiency

Decreased or compromised ability to fight disease or a condition resulting from a defective immune mechanism.

interstitial fluid

Fluid between cells and in tissue spaces.

lymphocyte

Type of white blood cell (WBC) found in the lymph nodes, spleen, bloodstream, and lymph that functions in the body's immune system by recognizing and deactivating foreign substances (antigens).

monocytes

Large WBCs formed in bone marrow that circulate in the bloodstream and destroy pathogenic bacteria through phagocytosis.

oncology

Branch of medicine concerned with the study of cancerous growths (malignancies).

pathogens

Any microorganism capable of producing disease.

transfusion

Collection of blood or a blood component from a donor followed by its infusion into a recipient.

hematology

The study of the blood and blood-forming tissues and the diseases associated with these tissues.

hematologist

Physician who specializes in the study and treatment of blood and blood disorders.

immunology

The study of the body's protection from invading organisms and its responses to them.

immunologist

A medical specialist who studies and treats the body's defense mechanism against invasion of foreign substances that cause disease.

erythrocytes

Red blood cells (RBCs) that deliver oxygen to the body tissues via the circulatory system.

leukocytes

White blood cells (WBCs) that provide a line of defense against pathogens.

platelets

Clotting cells that have a clotting ability that prevents excessive loss of blood.

universal donor

A person with type O blood, because type O blood does not contain A or B antigens and can be given to a person with any other blood type.

universal recipient

A person with type AB blood, because type AB blood has no antibodies against the other blood types.

agglutin/o

Combining form meaning clumping, gluing.

agglutination

Process by which particles are caused to adhere and form into clumps.

embol/o

Combining form meaning embolus (plug).

embolectomy

Excision or removal of an embolus (plug).

erythr/o

Combining form meaning red.

hem/o

Combining form meaning blood.

hemophobia

Fear of blood.

hemat/o

Combining form meaning blood.

leuk/o

Combining form meaning white.

myel/o

Combining form meaning bone marrow; spinal cord.

myelogenic

Pertaining to forming or producing in bone marrow or spinal cord.

thromb/o

Combining form meaning blood clot.

thrombolysis

Separation, destruction, or loosening of a blood clot.

ven/o

Combining form meaning vein.

venous

Pertaining to a vein.