immune system study guide Flashcards
a complex network of organs, cells and proteins that defends the body against infection, while protecting the body’s own cells.
immune system
is a group of organs, vessels and tissues that protect you from infection and keep a healthy balance of fluids throughout your body.
the lymphatic system
treats health issues brought on by immune system problems.
immunologist
a doctor with specialized training in inflammatory disease.
rheumatologist
a physician that treats acute and chronic infections caused by bacteria, parasites, fungi and viruses.
infectious disease doctor
(blank) is clear, colorless fluid that circulates through the lymphatic system. (blank) fills the tissue spaces of the body.
lymph
lymphatic fluid
small lumps of tissue that contain white blood cells, which fight infection.
lymph nodes
lymph glands
two masses of tissue on either side of the throat. They help defend the body against harmful microorganisms.
tonsils
are a patch of lymphoid tissue that sits at the very back of the nasal passage. Like tonsils, (blank) help keep the body healthy by trapping harmful bacteria and viruses that we breathe in or swallow.
adenoids
stores and filters blood and makes white blood cells that protect you from infection.
spleen
a small gland in the lymphatic system that makes and trains special white blood cells called T-cells.
thymus
are tubes that carry lymph through the body to lymph nodes and back to veins.
lymphatic vessels
are the terminal lymph channels that empty into the subclavian vein to return the lymph to the venous circulation.
main lymph ducts
main lymphfatic ducts
are tiny vessels that collect and filter fluid from your body’s cells and tissues. They help to maintain blood pressure and volume and prevent fluid buildup.
lymph capillaries
lymphatic capillaries
The liquid part of the blood and lymphatic fluid, which makes up about half of the volume of blood.
plasma
A group or layer of cells that perform specific functions. For example, muscle tissue is a group of muscle cells.
tissue
circulate through your bloodstream and tissues to respond to injury or illness by attacking any unknown organisms that enter your body.
white blood cells
leukocytes
is a protein produced by the body’s immune system when it detects harmful substances, called antigens.
antibodies
are proteins that help speed up metabolism. They build some substances and break others down.
enzyme
are cells with the potential to develop into many different types of cells in the body. They serve as a repair system for the body.
stem cells
is the soft, spongy tissue that is in the centers of bones. It contains stem cells that produce blood cells and the cells that make up the immune system.
Bone Marrow
T-cells are a type of white blood cell called (blank). They help your immune system fight germs and protect you from disease.
lymphocytes
is any substance that causes your immune system to produce antibodies against it. It may be a substance from the environment, such as chemicals, bacteria, viruses, or pollen.
antigens
A poison produced by certain animals, plants, or bacteria.
toxins
A substance that can cause an allergic reaction.
allergen
The body’s ability to fight off sickness and stay healthy. It’s a defense mechanism that protects the body from infectious diseases
immunity
is a substance that trains the body’s immune system to recognize and fight off harmful germs, such as viruses or bacteria
vaccine
immunization
The rapid spread of disease to a large number of hosts in a given population within a short period of time.
epidemic
any organism too small to be viewed by the unaided eye, as bacteria, protozoa, and some fungi and algae.
microorganism
microbe
A microorganism that causes, or can cause, disease.
pathogen
is a microorganism that is smaller than a bacterium that cannot grow or reproduce apart from a living cell.
virus
are single-celled organisms that can sometimes cause diseases. Common (blank) diseases include malaria, giardia, and toxoplasmosis.
protozoa
including yeasts, mildews, molds, and mushrooms.
fungi
a cell that certain fungi, plants (moss, ferns), and bacteria produce.
spore
something is harmful to the body or related to poison
toxic
an organism that lives on or in a host organism and gets its food from or at the expense of its host.
parasite
leuko- // leuco-
Meaning “white”
auto- // auto-
Meaning “self”
inflamm- // inflam-
Meaning “to set on fire”
patho- // pato-
Meaning “disease”
-gen // -geno
Meaning “become” or “be produced”
-cyte // -cito
Meaning “cell”
