health and disease Flashcards
Antibiotic
A chemical or compound produced by a living organism that kills or prevents the
growth of bacteria. Antibiotics have no effect on the cells of the host organism.
Antibodies
Proteins produced by B-lymphocytes in response to a specific antigen,
triggering an immune response.
Antigen
A unique chemical present on the surface of a cell that induces an immune
response.
Antiseptics
Chemicals secreted by plants which kill bacterial and fungal pathogens
Body mass index (BMI)
A value based on height and mass used to categorise an
individual as underweight, normal weight, overweight or obese
Cardiovascular disease
A group of diseases affecting the heart or blood vessels.
Cell wall
An outer layer made of cellulose that strengthens plant cells and serves as a
physical barrier against pathogens
Cholera
A water-borne disease caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, the toxins of
which cause severe diarrhoea leading to dehydration
Cilia
Hair-like structures found on ciliated epithelial cells that waft substances across the
surface of the tissue in one direction.
Communicable disease
A disease that is caused by a pathogen which can be spread
between individuals (either directly or indirectly).
Disease
A disorder of the body or mind that negatively affects an individual’s health.
*Hybridoma cell
A hybrid cell that results from the fusion of a B-lymphocyte with a
myeloma cell. It is used to rapidly produce large quantities of monoclonal antibodies.
Hydrochloric acid
The primary constituent of stomach acid. Its acidic pH kills any
pathogens that are swallowed.
Immune system
The body’s defence against pathogens once they have entered the body.
It aims to prevent or minimise disease caused by pathogens.
Immunisation
The deliberate exposure of an individual to a dead or inactive pathogen.
This triggers the production of antibodies and memory lymphocytes, providing immunity
against a disease
Lysozyme
An enzyme found in tears that digests bacterial cell walls, killing bacteria and
protecting the eye.
Malnutrition
A condition resulting from a diet lacking in, or too rich in nutrients.
Memory lymphocyte
A type of white blood cell that remains in the blood and provides
immunological memory to a specific antigen on a pathogen.
Mucus
A viscous, slimy fluid that lines the surface of many tissues in the body and traps
pathogens.
Non-communicable disease
A disease that cannot be spread between individuals. It is
caused by the interaction of a number of risk factors.
Pathogen
A disease-causing organism, e.g. viruses, fungi, bacteria, protists
Primary immune response
The response of the immune system to a pathogen when it is
first encountered. A small number of antibodies are produced slowly.
Secondary immune response
The response of the immune system to a pathogen when it
is encountered for a second (third, fourth…etc.) time. Memory lymphocytes rapidly produce
a large number of antibodies.
White blood cells
Cells of the immune system that protect the body from invading
pathogens
