Wellness/Lymphatic and immune system vocab

active immunity

Occurs when the body produces its own antibodies. Can occur naturally when there is exposure to an antigen or artificially through vaccinations.

alcohol poisoning

A medical emergency that results from high blood alcohol levels that suppress the central nervous system

alternative medicine

complementary therapy not considered an integral part of conventional medical practice

antibody

blood protein produced in response to and counteracting a specific antigen. They combine chemically with substances which the body recognizes as alien, such as bacteria, viruses, and foreign substances

antigen

Any foreign body, whether microorganisms, foreign, objects or poisons, that triggers an immune response

diet

All of the food consumed by a person

drug abuse

The use of a psychoactive drug or performance enhancing drug for a non-therapeutic or non-medical effect

health

A state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.

holistic health

part of the wellness approach, encouraging good health and a positive self-image

immune response

The way the body defends itself against substances it sees as harmful or foreign.

infirmity

Physical or mental weakness

lymph nodes

Small bean-shaped structures that are part of the body's immune system. They filter out bacteria and other waste products from the lymph fluid.

lymphocyte

A type of white cell

nonspecific immunity

Protects the body in general against antigens that can cause infections. Examples include intact skin, moist mucous membranes, cilia, saliva, tears and stomach acids

nutrition

A science that studies the way the food you eat nourishes your body

passive immunity

Occurs when the body receives antibodies from a source outside of itself, such as when a baby receives antibodies from its mother's breast milk

phagocyte

A type of white cell that circulates through the body and ingests diseased and dead cells

physical fitness

Is the result of regular exercise, proper diet and nutrition, and proper rest for physical recovery

specific immunity

Protects the body against specifically identified antigens such as bacteria, fungi and viruses.

spleen

Filters microorganisms and waste products from the blood

spleen

Filters microorganisms and waste products from the blood

stress

What you feel when you have to handle more than you are used to

thymus

Lymphatic tissue that stores lymphocytes that work with the lymphatic system to defend the body

tonsils

Masses of lymph tissue that are exposed to the outside

wellness

The overall feeling of well-being and the understanding that everything is going right in your life.