chapter 6 Flashcards
antibiotics
A medication that is capable of inhibiting the growth of or killing pathogenic bacterial microorganisms.
antifungal
An agent that destroys or inhibits the growth of fungi.
bacilli
Rod-shaped spore-forming bacteria.
candidiasis
An infection caused by yeast, a type of fungus.
cytokines
A group of proteins such as interferons and interleukins released primarily by the T cells that act as intracellular signals to begin the immune response.
cytomegalovirus
A group of large herpes-type viruses found in most body fluids and most often causing an infection without signs or symptoms
cytotoxic drug
Medication that kills or damages cells.
hemolytic
Describes the function of destroying worn-out erythrocytes and releasing their hemoglobin for reuse.
immunosuppressant
A substance that prevents or reduces the body’s normal immune response.
immunotherapy
A treatment of disease by either stimulating or repressing the immune response.
lymphadenopathy
Any disease process affecting a lymph node or nodes.
lymphangioma
A benign tumor formed by an abnormal collection of lymphatic vessels due to a congenital malformation of the lymphatic system.
lymphedema
Swelling due to an abnormal accumulation of lymph fluid within the tissues.
lymphocytes
One of three types of cells that are formed in bone marrow as stem cells that act as specialized antibodies.
lymphoma
A general term applied to malignancies affecting lymphoid tissues.
lymphoscintigraphy
A diagnostic test to detect damage or malformations of the lymphatic vessels.
macrophage
A type of leukocyte that surrounds and kills invading cells.
malignant
Becoming progressively worse and life-threatening.
mammography
A radiographic examination of the breasts to detect the presence of tumors or precancerous cells.
myoma
A benign tumor made up of muscle tissue.
myosarcoma
A malignant tumor derived from muscle tissue.
osteosarcoma
A hard-tissue sarcoma usually involving the upper shaft of long bones, the pelvis, or the knees.
sarcoma
A malignant tumor that arises from connective tissue
splenomegaly
Abnormal enlargement of the spleen.
staphylococci
Group of about 30 species of bacteria that form irregular groups or clusters resembling grapes.
streptococci
Bacteria that form a chain.
teletherapy
Radiation therapy administered at a distance from the body that is precisely targeted with the use of three-dimensional computer imaging.
toxoplasmosis
A parasite that is most commonly transmitted from pets to humans by contact with contaminated animal feces.
The most advanced and fatal stage of an HIV infection
acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
A substance that produces an allergic reaction in an individual.
allergen
A severe response to an allergen in which the symptoms develop quickly, and without help, the patient can die within a few minutes.
anaphylaxis
A disease-fighting protein created by the immune system in response to the presence of a specific antigen.
antibody
Any substance that the body regards as foreign.
antigen
The binding of antigens to antibodies.
antigen-antibody reaction
Any of a large group of diseases characterized by a condition in which the immune system produces antibodies to work against its own tissues, mistaking healthy cells, tissues, or organs for antigens.
autoimmune disorder
A group of one-celled microscopic organisms, some of which are pathogenic.
bacteria
non-life threatening.
benign
An infection caused by yeast, a type of fungus.
candidiasis
A malignant tumor in its original position that has not yet disturbed or invaded the surrounding tissues.
carcinoma in situ
A group of proteins that normally circulate in the blood in an inactive form.
complement system
A group of proteins such as interferons and interleukins released primarily by the T cells that act as intracellular signals to begin the immune response.
cytokines
Breast cancer at its earliest stage, before the cancer has broken through the wall of the milk duct.
ductal carcinoma in situ
An acute viral infection characterized by painful skin eruptions that follow the underlying route of the inflamed nerve.
herpes zoster
A malignancy of the lymphatic system that is distinguished from non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma by the presence of large, cancerous lymphocytes.
Hodgkin’s lymphoma
A bloodborne infection in which the virus damages or kills the T cells of the immune system.
human immunodeficiency virus
Bind with specific antigens in the antigen-antibody response.
immunoglobulins
An infection caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) that is characterized by fever, a sore throat, and enlarged lymph nodes.
infectious mononucleosis
Breast cancer that starts in the milk duct, breaks through the wall of that duct, and invades the surrounding fatty breast tissue; also known as invasive ductal carcinoma.
infiltrating ductal carcinoma
Produced in response to the presence of antigens, particularly viruses or tumor cells.
interferons
A disease caused by a parasite that lives in certain mosquitoes and is transferred to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito.
malaria
Becoming progressively worse and life-threatening.
malignant
The process by which cancer is spread to a new site
metastasis
To spread from one place to another.
metastasize
The term used to describe all lymphomas other than Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Caused by a pathogen that normally does not cause illness in healthy humans, but is able to cause an infection in a weakened host.
opportunistic infection
A plant or an animal that lives on or within another living organism at the expense of that organism.
parasite
An acute viral infection transmitted to humans through the bite or saliva of an infected animal.
rabies
Small bacteria that live in lice, fleas, ticks, and mites that transmit infection to humans.
rickettsia
A viral infection characterized by a low-grade fever, swollen glands, inflamed eyes, and a fine, pink rash; also known as German measles or 3-day measles.
rubella
Long, slender spiral-shaped bacteria that have flexible walls and are capable of movement.
spirochetes
A severe reaction to an allergen; also described as anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock.
systemic reaction
A highly contagious disease caused by a herpes virus characterized by a fever and rash; also known as chickenpox.
varicella
