Lessons 1-5 Flashcards
Communicable Disease
A disease that can be passed to a person from another person, animal, or object.
Pathogens
Disease-causing organisms (Germs)
Infection
A condition that occurs when pathogens enter the body, multiply, and cause harm.
Viruses
The smallest pathogens
Bacteria
Tiny one-celled organisms
Fungi
Organisms that are more complex than bacteria but cannot make their own food
Protozoa
One-celled organisms that are more complex than bacteria
Vector
An organism such as an insect that transmits pathogens
Hygiene
Cleanliness
Immune System
A combination of body defenses made up of the cells, tissues, and organs to fight off pathogens and disease
Immunity
Your body’s ability to resist the germs that cause a particular disease
Inflammation
The body’s response to injury or disease, resulting in swelling, pain, heat, and redness.
Lymphatic System
A secondary circulatory system that helps the body fight pathogens and maintains its fluid balance.
Lymphocytes
White blood cells in the lymphatic system
Antigen
Any substance released by invading pathogens
Antibodies
Proteins that attach to antigens, keeping them from harming the body
Vaccine
A preparation of dead or weakened pathogens that causes the immune system to produce antibodies
Contagious Period
The length of time that a particular disease can be spread from person to person
Mononucleosis
A viral disease characterized by a severe sore throat and swelling of the lymph glands in the neck and around the throat area
Hepatitis
A viral disease of the liver characterized by yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes
Tuberculosis (TB)
A bacterial disease that usually affects the lungs
Pneumonia
A serious inflammation of the lungs
Strep Throat
A sore throat caused by streptococcal bacteria
Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)
Infections that are spread from person to person through sexual contact
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)
The virus that causes AIDs
AIDS (Aquired Immunodeficiency Virus)
A deadly disease that interferes with the body’s natural ability to fight infection
Disease
Any condition that interferes with the proper functioning of the body or mind.
Opportunistic Infection
An infection that rarely occurs in a healthy person
Carrier
A person who is healthy but infected with HIV and can pass it to others
