Health 142-147 Flashcards
The study of the immune system—its structure, functions, disorders, and diseases
immunology
Organisms such as bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and viruses that cause disease
pathogens
The most important components of your immune system are _____
leukocytes (white blood cells)
kill pathogens by engulfing and disposing of them
phagocytes
transport leukocytes through the body and help cleanse the body of pathogens
lymphocytes
means “disease”
patho-
refers to something that produces
-gen
means “white”
leuk- or leuko-
means “eat or eater”
phag or phage
mean “cells”
-cytes
means “large”
macro-
means “water”
lymph- or lympho-
means “inflammation”
-itis
chemical “alarm signal” released from the leukocytes that cause inflammation of nearby tissue
histamine
Y-shaped protein molecules that are produced by B cells and defend against pathogens
antibodies
bean-shaped organs which cleanse the lymph of debris and monitor the lymph for signs of infection
lymph nodes
a complex network of fluid-filled vessels and chambers that helps transport the white blood cells throughout the body and aids them in cleansing the body of pathogens
lymphatic system
the body’s largest lymph organ
spleen
elevated body temperature
fever
special accumulations of lymphatic tissue in the throat that help defend against infections of the throat and digestive tract
tonsils and adenoids
groups of lymphatic tissue located in the wall of the lower small intestine
Peyer’s patches
produces white blood cells
bone marrow
adjusts hormone levels, raises the body’s temperature to help fight certain kinds of pathogens, and signals the body to rest when necessary
brain
secretes tears to wash dust and dirt from the eyes
lacrimal glands
filters toxins from the blood and breaks them down for elimination
liver
secrete germ-killing antibiotics into the alveoli
lungs
acts like flypaper, catching most pathogens before they can enter the lungs
mucous membrane
serves as a shield that protects the body from invading pathogens
skin
