Immune system vocabulary Flashcards
What is a microbe?
living creature too small to be seen with our eyes
What is bacteria?
a one celled microbe. most are beneficial and help fight pathogenic microbes. harmful bacteria causes sickness
what are aerobes?
a type of bacteria that requires oxygen to live
what are anaerobes?
a type of bacteria that dont require oxygen to live
what is a virus?
an infectious agent that is not bacterial.
what is protozoa?
these are single celled microscopic animals. they live off a host and spread this way.
what is a vector?
carries pathogens from the blood of one host to another.
what is fungi?
are plants that lack chlorophyll such as mushrooms,
what is a pathogen
a disease-causing microorganism
what is a non-pathogen
a microorganism that cannot harm you or cause infection
sterilization
the destruction or removal of all forms of life
disinfectant
a chemical agent applied to surfaces to destroy microorganisms
disinfecting
the destruction of most microorganism
anti-septic
an agent put on living tissue to prevent microorganisms from growing.
cross-contamination
passage of microorganisms from one thing or person to another.
what is asepsis?
when pathogens are not present
carrier
a human or animal who carries and can spread the microorganism but is asymptomatic
communicable disease
a contagious disease due to its easily spread pathogens
infection precautions
barriers and steps taken to prevent pathogen spread
what is normal flora?
beneficial bacteria/microorganisms that live on our bodies but can become pathogenic when spread elsewhere
autoclave
a pressurized steam sterilizer that destroys microorganisms
standard precaution
precautions taken around all patients even when there’s no infection
nosocomial infection
an infection acquired during a hospital stay
what is surgical asepsis?
practices that keep equipment and supplies free of all microbes
