Chap 14, Lymphatic and Immune Systems, Terminology

Question 1

autoimmune disease

Answer 1

Antibodies that are produced against an individual’s own normal cells.

Question 2

Examples of autoimmune disease are:

Answer 2

rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus. These are chronic, disabling diseases caused by the abnormal production of antibodies against normal body tissues. Signs and symptoms are inflammation of joints, skin rash, and fever. Glucocorticoid drugs (prednisone) and other immunosuppressants (azathioprine, methotrexate) are effective as treatment but make patients susceptible to infection.

Question 3

immunoglobulin

Answer 3

Antibodies (proteins) secreted by B cell lymphocytes (plasma cells)

Question 4

immunosuppression

Answer 4

Blocking or turning off the normal immune response.

This may occur because of exposure to drugs (corticosteroids) or as the result of disease (AIDS and cancer). Immunosuppressed patients are susceptible to infection with fungi, Pneumocystis bacteria, and other pathogens.

Question 5

lymphopoiesis

Answer 5

Formation of lymphocytes.

Question 6

lymphedema

Answer 6

Abnormal collection of fluid in tissue spaces caused by obstruction of lymph vessels and backflow of lymph.

Interstitial fluid collects within the spaces between cells as a result of obstruction of lymphatic vessels and nodes. Radiation theraphy may destroy lymphatics and produce lymphedema, as in breast cancer treatment.

Question 7

lumphocytopenia

Answer 7

Deficiency of lymphocytes.

Question 8

lymphocytosis

Answer 8

Increase in number of lymphocytes in the bloodstream.

Question 9

lymphoid

Answer 9

Resembling lymph or lymph tissue.

The suffix -oid means resembling or derived from. Lymphoid organs include lymph nodes, spleen, and thymus gland.

Question 10

lymphadenopathy

Answer 10

Disease of lymph nodes.

Question 11

lymphadenitis

Answer 11

Inflammation of lymph nodes.

Question 12

splenomegaly

Answer 12

Enlargement of the spleen.

Note that the combining form for spleen contains only one e.

Question 13

splenectomy

Answer 13

Removal of the spleen.

Question 14

asplenia

Answer 14

Absence of a spleen.

The condition may be congenital or result from surgical removal.

Question 15

hypersplenism

Answer 15

Syndrome of spleen enlargement (splenomegaly) and destruction of red blood cells (hemolysis).

A syndrome marked by splenomegaly and often associated with blood cell destruction, anemia, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia.

Question 16

thymectomy

Answer 16

Removal of the thymus gland.

Question 17

toxic

Answer 17

Pert. to a toxin, which is a poison or harmful substance.

Question 18

anaphylaxis

Answer 18

Exaggerated or unusual hypersensitivity to foreign protein or other substance.

The suffix -phylaxis means protection. This is an unusual hypersensitivity to previously encountered foreign proteins or other antigens. Vasodilation and a decrease in blood pressure can be life-threatening.

Question 19

interstitial fluid

Answer 19

Fluid that fills the spaces in between cells.