Chapter 5 Key Terms Flashcards
Personal Service Worker (PSW)
An individual whose work brings the individual into direct contact with other individuals (healthcare professionals and allied health workers)
Microbiology
The scientific study of microscopic organisms and their effects
Microorganisms
Tiny organisms such as viruses, Protozoa or bacteria that can only be seen under a microscope
Microbes
Microscopic organisms, especially those that transmit disease
Bacteria
Single-celled parasitic microorganisms with no nuclei or organized cell structure responsible for decay, fermentation and many plant and animal diseases
Fungi
Organisms that reproduce by spies and live by absorbing nutrients from organic matter
Virus
A minute particle that lives as a parasite in plants, animals and bacteria; diseases caused by viruses are also called viruses
Protozoa
Single celled organisms (ie amoeba)
Algae
Mainly aquatic, plantlike organisms that lack leaves, roots and stems
Pathogenic
Causing or able to cause disease
(On the PATH to destruction)
Antibiotics
Substances that can kill or inactivate bacteria in the body; derived from microorganisms or synthetics
Saprophytes
Microbes that obtain food from dead or decaying organic matter
Psychrophiles
Organisms that grow optionally at lower temperatures, between 0 and 20C
Mesophiles
Organisms that grow optimally between 25 and 45C
Thermophiles
Organisms that grow optionally between 50 and 80C
Extreme thermophiles
Organisms capable of growing at extremely high temps between 80 and 100C
Spore
A protective structure produced by algae, fungi, and some Protozoa
Endospore
The inner layer of the wall of a spore
Coccus
Spherical microorganism, especially bacteria
Cocci
Plural for coccus, a pathogenic bacteria
Bacillus
An aerobic, rod shaped, spore producing bacterium
Spirillum
Spiral shaped bacterium
Diplococcus
A common type of cocci that grows in semicircular pairs
Staphylococcus
A bacterium that typically occurs in clusters, resembling grapes, normally inhabit the skin and mucous membranes
Streptococcus
A spherical, bacterium, growing in pairs or chains, that often causes disease, (ie scarlet fever, strep, throat, pneumonia)
Flagella
Hair-like projections found on bacilli that self propel them through liquids
Cilia
Tiny, thread-like structures used by bacilli to propel themselves through liquids
Motility
Movement by independent means
Parasites
Plants or animals that live on or in other, larger host organisms, in ways that harm, or do not benefit the host
Hypha
The elongated appendage of a fungal spore
Amoeba
Single celled organism found in water and example soil
Hepatitis
Inflammation of the liver, causing fever, jaundice, abdominal pain, and weakness
HIV
Virus that destroys the immune system‘s helper T cells, the loss of which causes AIDS
AIDS
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, or syndrome affecting the body’s immune system; caused by HIV
Syndrome
A group of signs and symptoms that together, characterize a disease or disorder
Antiseptics
Agents that prevent or reduce infection by eliminating, or reducing the growth of microorganisms
Bacteriostats
Substances that restrict the growth and activity of bacteria, but do not kill them
Fungistats
Substances that inhibit the growth of fungi without killing them
Glutaraldehyde
An oily, water, soluble liquid used as a disinfectant and biological fixative (C5H8O2)
Asepsis
Condition in which no living disease-causing microorganisms are present
Sepsis
The condition or syndrome caused by microorganisms or their toxins in the tissue or bloodstream
Autoclave
Airtight chamber that sterilizes through the use of steam and high temperature under pressure
Ethylene oxide
Chemical agent used in sealed cabinets to sterilize materials
Ultrasonic
Sound waves with frequencies above the upper limit of the normal range of human hearing
Isolyser
Container used for collecting and disposing of needles
Anaphoresis
Use of a negative pole to force an alkaline product into the skin, toward the positive pole
Cataphoresis
The process of using a positive pole to introduce an acidic product into the skin, toward the negative pole. Oh sure babe.
Lancets
Sharp tools used for breaking the skin
Biohazardous
Relating to toxic or infectious agents that may pose a risk to humans or their environments
