3.2 Flashcards
Prions
Non-living, submicroscopic, proteins.
Virus
Non-living microscopic agents made
up of an outer protein shell, called a capsid,
and either DNA or RNA.
Bacteria
Living, microscopic, unicellular,
prokaryotic organisms.
Protists
Living, microscopic, single-celled,
eukaryotic, animal-like organisms.
Fungi
Living, multicellular, eukaryotic
organisms. Fungi include yeasts, mildews,
molds, and mushrooms. Both microscopic
and macroscopic varieties exist.
Helminths
Living, multicellular, eukaryotic
worms. Both microscopic and macroscopic
varieties exist.
Pathogens
A disease-causing organism.
Epidermis
The top layer of the skin that provides a barrier, makes new skin, and provides skin color.
Dermis
The middle layer of skin that contains collagen and elastin, grows
hair, makes oil and sweat, and contains blood vessels and nerve
endings.
Subcutaneous fatty
tissue
The bottom layer of the skin consisting of fat that cushions muscles
and bones and helps to regulate body temperature.
Sepsis
The body’s immune system overreacts to an infection causing inflammation.
Inflammation
A localized physical condition in which part of the body becomes
reddened, swollen, hot, and often painful, especially as a reaction to
injury or infection.
Lymph nodes
Any of the rounded masses of lymphoid tissue that are surrounded by a capsule of connective tissue, are distributed along the lymphatic vessels, and contain numerous lymphocytes which filter the flow of lymph passing through the node.
Lymph
A usually clear fluid that passes from intercellular spaces of body
tissue into the lymphatic vessels.
Platelets
A minute, colorless, anucleate disk-like body of mammalian blood that assists in blood clotting by adhering to other platelets and
damaged epithelium.
Red blood cells
Hemoglobin-rich, red blood cells that transport oxygen through a
body. Erythrocytes give the red color to vertebrate blood and do not have nuclei.
White blood cells
One of the many cells in the blood that lack hemoglobin but have a
nucleus and are active in the immune response. Lymphocytes,
monocytes, neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils are leucocytes.
Innate immunity
Non-specific immune defense mechanisms that people are born
with. These mechanisms work to keep anything outside us from
coming in.
Acquired immunity
Specific immune defense mechanisms. This type of immunity is acquired over a lifetime.
Antigen
Anything that stimulates an immune response.
B-cells
A type of lymphocyte (white blood cell) that matures in bone
marrow and produces antibodies.
Antibodies
a protein produced by the body’s immune system when it detects harmful substances, called antigens.
Prodromal
Early signs or symptoms that precede the onset of a disease.
Convalesce
To recover health gradually after sickness.
B-lymphocytes
A type of lymphocyte (white blood cell) that matures in bone
marrow and produces antibodies.
T-lymphocytes
A type of white blood cell that plays a crucial role in the immune
response by recognizing and attacking cells infected with foreign
pathogens or cancer cells.
Vaccines
A substance used to stimulate an immune response with the goal of
creating antibodies and providing immunity to specific infections.
Direct contact
Disease transmission that occurs when a susceptible host touches an
infected individual or is exposed to their body fluids.
Indirect contac
Disease transmission that occurs when a susceptible host inhales
infected particles, touches an infected object (such as a doorknob or
money), or is bitten by an infected insect.
