Chapter 18 Flashcards
Communicable disease
Disease that can be passed to a person from another person, animal, or object.
Pathogens
Disease-causing organisms that are so small they can only be seen through a microscope.
Infection
A condition that occurs when pathogens enter the body, multiply, and cause harm.
Viruses
The smallest pathogens
Bacteria
Tiny one cell organisms
Fungi
Organisms that are more complex than bacteria but cannot make their own food.
Protozoa
One celled organisms that are more complex than bacteria.
Vector
An organism, such as an insect, that transmits pathogens
Hygiene
Cleanliness
Immune system
A combination of body defenses made up of the cells, tissues, and organs that fight off pathogens and disease.
Immunity
Your body’s ability to resist the germs that cause a particular disease
Inflammation
The body’s response to injury or disease, resulting in a condition of swelling, pain, heat, and redness
Lymphatic system
A secondary circulatory system that helps the body fight pathogens and maintains its fluid balance
Lymphocytes
The white blood cells in the lymphatic system
Antigens
Any substance released by invading pathogens
Antibodies
Proteins that attach to antigens, keeping them from harming the body
Vaccine
A preparation of dead or weekend pathogens that causes the immune system to produce antibodies
Contagious period
The length of time that a particular disease can be spread from person to person
Mononucleosis
A viral disease characterized by a severe sore throat and swelling of the lymph glands in the neck and around the throat area
Hepatitis
A viral disease of the liver characterized by yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes
Tuberculosis
A bacterial disease that usually affects the lungs
Strep throat
A sore throat caused by streptococcal bacteria
Sexually transmitted diseases
Infections that are spread from person to person through sexual contact
HIV
The virus that causes AIDS
