HITT 1305 Lymphatic & Immune Systems (Medical Terms)

lymph

A clear fluid that circulates through the lymphatic system, transporting white blood cells and other immune cells throughout the body, while also helping remove waste, pathogens, and dead blood cells.

lymphatic vessels and ducts

The capillaries, vessels, and ducts that return lymph from the tissues to the venous bloodstream.

lymph nodes

Small, bean-shaped structures that filter lymph and store lymphocytes, playing a crucial role in the immune response.

tonsils and adenoids

Lymphoid structures that protect the entry to the respiratory system.

spleen

A sac-like organ of lymphatic tissue that filters blood, removes old red blood cells, and helps produce lymphocytes.

bone marrow

The soft tissue found in the center of bones where blood cells are produced, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

lymphocytes

Specialized leukocytes that is key to the immune response, involved in the recognition and elimination of pathogens.

thymus

A glandular organ located behind the breastbone in the upper chest, responsible for the maturation of T lymphocytes and plays a crucial role in the development of the immune system.

acquired immunity

Obtained by having had a contagious disease

acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)

The most advanced and fatal stage of an HIV infection

allergen

A substance that produces an allergic reaction in an individual

allergist

Specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions of altered immunologic reactivity, such as allergic reactions

allergy

Also known as hypersensitivity, is an over-reaction by the body to a particular antigen

anaphylaxis

Also known as anaphylactic shock, is a severe response to an allergen

antibiotic-resistant bacteria

Occur when antibiotics fail to kill all of the bacteria they target

antibiotics

Medications capable of inhibiting growth or killing pathogenic bacterial microorganisms

antibody

A disease-fighting protein created by the immune system in response to the presence of a specific antigen

antifungal

An agent that destroys or inhibits the growth of fungi

antigen

Any substance that the body regards as being foreign

antigen–antibody reaction

Also known as the immune reaction, involves binding antigens to antibodies to neutralize or eliminate pathogens

autoimmune disorder

Autoimmune disease, a condition in which the immune system produces antibodies against its own tissues, mistaking healthy cells, tissues, or organs for antigens

bacilli

Rod-shaped, spore-forming bacteria that can cause infections (singular, bacillus)

bacteria

One-celled microscopic organisms (singular, bacterium)

candidiasis

Yeast infection, occur on the skin or mucous membranes in warm, moist areas such as the vagina or mouth and are caused by the pathogenic yeast Candida albicans

complement system

A group of proteins that normally circulate in the blood in an inactive form

COVID-19

A highly contagious viral infection caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus

cytokines

A group of proteins such as interferons and interleukins released primarily by the T cells

cytomegalovirus (CMV)

A common herpesvirus found in many body fluids (including saliva, urine, semen, tears, and breast milk) that usually causes mild or no symptoms in healthy people but can cause infections in newborns and individuals with weakened immune systems

hemolytic

Destroying worn-out erythrocytes (red blood cells) and releasing their hemoglobin for reuse

herpes zoster (HZ)

Shingles, usually occurs in individuals who have had chickenpox, an acute viral infection characterized by painful skin eruptions that follow the underlying route of an inflamed nerve

human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)

A bloodborne infection in which the virus damages or kills the T cells of the immune system, causing it to progressively fail, thus leaving the body at risk of developing many life-threatening opportunistic infections

immunodeficiency disorder

Occurs when the immune response is compromised

immunoglobulins

Antibodies produced by B cells (plasma cells) that bind to specific antigens to help the immune system neutralize pathogens such as bacteria and virus

immunologist

A medical professional specializing in the study and treatment of the immune system and its disorders, including allergies and autoimmune diseases.

immunosuppressant

A substance that reduces the strength of the immune system, often used to prevent organ rejection after transplants or to treat autoimmune diseases.

immunotherapy

biological therapy, a disease treatment that involves either stimulating or repressing the immune response

infectious disease specialist

a physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases caused by microorganisms such as viruses, bacteria, and parasites.

influenza

flu, a highly contagious viral respiratory infection that usually occurs in seasonal epidemics

interferons (IFNs)

produced in response to the presence of antigens, particularly viruses or tumor cells

Lyme disease

transmitted to humans by the bite of a tick that has had contact with a deer infected with the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi. It is named for Old Lyme, Connecticut, where it was first diagnosed

lymphadenopathy

any disease process affecting a lymph node or nodes

lymphangioma

a benign tumor formed by an abnormal collection of lymphatic vessels due to a congenital malformation of the lymphatic system

lymphedema (LE)

swelling of the tissues due to an abnormal accumulation of lymph fluid within the tissues

lymphologist

a physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating disorders of the lymphatic system

lymphoscintigraphy

a diagnostic test that is performed to detect damage or malformations of the lymphatic vessels

macrophage

a type of leukocyte that surrounds and kills invading cells

malaria

caused by a parasite that lives in certain mosquitoes and is transferred to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito

measles

acute, highly contagious infection that is transmitted by respiratory droplets of the rubeola virus

natural immunity

passive immunity, is resistance to a disease present without the administration of an antigen or exposure to a disease

opportunistic infection

caused by a pathogen that does not normally produce an illness in healthy humans

parasite

a plant or animal that lives on or within another living organism at the expense of that organism

pathogen

a microorganism that causes a disease in humans

rabies

an acute viral infection that is transmitted to humans through the bite or saliva of an infected animal

rickettsia

small bacterium that lives in lice, fleas, ticks, and mites (plural, rickettsiae)

rubella

German measles, a viral infection characterized by a low-grade fever, swollen glands, inflamed eyes, and a fine, pink rash

spirochetes

long, slender, spiral-shaped bacteria that have flexible walls and are capable of movement

splenomegaly

abnormal enlargement of the spleen

staphylococci

group of about 30 species of bacteria that form irregular groups or clusters resembling grapes

streptococci

bacteria that form a chain (singular, steptococcus)

synthetic immunoglobulins

immune serum, used as a post-exposure preventive measure against certain viruses, including rabies and some types of hepatitis

synthetic interferon

a type of protein that boosts the immune response and has antiviral properties, used in the treatment of multiple sclerosis, hepatitis C, and some cancers

systemic reaction

anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock, a severe response to an allergen

toxoplasmosis

disease caused by a parasite that is most commonly transmitted from pets to humans by contact with contaminated feces

varicella

chickenpox, is caused by the herpesvirus Varicella zoster and is highly contagious

West Nile virus

spread to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito

Zika virus

spread to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito, by a woman to her fetus, or through sexual intercourse