Ch 7 - Lymph & Immune Vocab

Question 1

lymph nodes

Answer 1

glands in the lymphatic system rich in specialized white blood cells (phagocytes) that clean lymph

Question 2

phagocytes

Answer 2

white blood cells in the lymph nodes that clean debris from the blood through phagocytosis.

Question 3

phagocytosis

Answer 3

process in which white blood cells (phagocytes) remove microorganisms, cell debris, and blood cells that are damaged, old or abnormal by engulfing them and gobbling them up

Question 4

lymphatic system

Answer 4

Lymph nodes and phagocytes working to clean lymph and fight infection or inflammation

Question 5

Lymph

Answer 5

clear, colorless, alkaline fluid made up mostly of water, some protein, salts, fats white blood cells and urea

Question 6

urea

Answer 6

waste product of protein metabolism

Question 7

lymphatic vessels

Answer 7

located throughout the body alongside arteries, veins and capillaries

Question 8

superior vena cava

Answer 8

where lymphatic vessels connect and where lymph enters the circulatory system and is combined with blood

Question 9

locations of highest number of lymph nodes

Answer 9

neck, axillae (armpits), groin and abdomen

Question 10

lymph nodes of the throat

Answer 10

tonsils and adenoids

Question 11

inflamed gland

Answer 11

lymphadenitis or lymphadenopathy

Question 12

metastasized

Answer 12

when cancer has spread to another part of the body (axillary glands are often removed from breast cancer patients to prevent this)

Question 13

thymus gland

Answer 13

part of lymphatic system; located in the mediastinum above the heart; 2 fused lobes and divided into outer part (cortex) and inner part (medulla). The cortex contains immature T lymphocytes, or “killer T cells” (type of white blood cell); Thymus is active during prenatal period and early years of life, grows until puberty, then gradually shrinks as you age.

Question 14

T lymphocytes

Answer 14

also called “killer T cells”; come from thymus gland; seek out and destroy cells that are infected or become cancerous. Mature in thymus and then circulate to other immune system structures including spleen and lymph nodes.

Question 15

Spleen

Answer 15

dark red, oval-shaped organ located in left upper quadrant of abdomen, just under ribs. Surrounded by outer capsule of connective tissue and divided into compartments; During prenatal development, spleen forms red blood cells and white blood cells, then after birth it produces RBCs only in cases of severe need, and continues producing WBCs and antibodies. Also stores blood and platelets.

Question 16

Allergy Tests

Answer 16

1) Patch test: paper or gauze saturated with allergen is applied to skin beneath occlusive dressing and response is noted.
2) Scratch test: Test in which an allergen is placed on a scratched area of skin and response is noted.

Question 17

Tests to Diagnose and Monitor HIV and AIDS

Answer 17

1) CD-4 Lymphocyte Count: measurement of # of specialized WBCs (helpter T cells) used to identify whether HIV is worsening.
2) Enzyme Immunosorbent Assay (EIA): rapid enzyme immunochemical method for identifying antigens, antibodies, or other substances in blood; primary diagnostic test for many infectious diseases
3) Viral Load: measurement of # of copies of HIV in the blood; monitors progression of HIV and AIDS

Question 18

Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR, sed rate) test

Answer 18

used in diagnosis and monitoring of many diseases that cause acute or chronic inflammation; measures rate RBCs settle in plasma or saline over period of time

Question 19

Monospot (heterophil) test

Answer 19

quick test used to screen for presence of heterophil antibody that is present in people with Epstein-Barr virus infection