Comprehensive Lymphatic, Immune, and Blood System Terms for Biology

antigen

Any substance that evokes an immune response

antibody

A protein produced by the immune system to neutralize pathogens

autoimmune

A condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own cells

endemic

A disease or outbreak of disease that is typically present in a particular region or population: an endemic disease

epidemic

A disease that affects a disproportionately large number of individuals within a population, community, or region at the same time

immunity

The ability of the body to resist infection and disease

pandemic

An outbreak that occurs over a wide geographic area (such as multiple countries or continents) and typically affecting a significant proportion of the population

pathogen

A microorganism that causes disease

macrophage

A type of white blood cell that engulfs and destroys pathogens

coagulation

The process of becoming viscous or thickened into a coherent mass: the forming of clots

electrolyte

Minerals (such as sodium, calcium, and potassium) in your blood and other body fluids that carry an electric charge

erythrocyte

Red blood cell

hematology

A medical science that deals with the blood

hemopoiesis

The formation of blood or of blood cells (white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets)

hemostasis

The stopping of bleeding

homeostasis

Maintaining a constant internal environment

leukocyte

A white blood cell. It plays an essential role in defending the body against infection.

megakaryocyte

A large cell responsible for the everyday production and release of platelets into the bloodstream

phagocyte

A cell (such as a macrophage or neutrophil) that engulfs and consumes foreign material and debris

plasma

The fluid part of blood responsible for redistributing water, delivering hormones, nutrients, and proteins, and maintaining blood pressure and circulation

thrombocyte

Platelet; a cell with clotting functions

thrombus

A clot of blood formed within a blood vessel and remaining attached to its place of origin