Med Term 6 Flashcards
specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions of altered immunologic reactivity, such as allergic reactions
allergist
specializes in diagnosing and treating disorders of the immune system
immunologist
a physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating malignant disorders such as tumors and cancer
oncologist
means protected
immun/o
means tumor
onc/o
specialized structures of the lymphatic system contained in the villi of the small intestine, along with blood vessels
lacteals
transports lymph from tissues throughout the body and eventually returns this fluid to the venous circulation
lymphatic circulation
clear, watery fluid that transports wast products and proteins out of the spaces between the cells of the body tissues. Also destroys bacteria or other pathogens in the tissues
lymph
plasma from arterial blood that flows out of the capillaries and into the spaces between the cells.
interstitial fluid, aka intercellular or tissue fluid
microscopic, blind-ended tubes located near the surface of the body, only 1 cell in thickness
lymphatic capillaries
progressively larger vessels that are located deeper within the tissues from the capillaries
lymphatic vessels
collects lymph from the right side of the head and neck, the upper right quadrant of the body and the right arm
right lymphatic duct
the largest lymphatic vessel in the body, collects lymph from the left side of the head and neck, the upper left quadrant of the trunk, the left arm, and the entire lower portion of the trunk and both legs
thoracic duct
bean-shaped capsule that contains specialized lymphocytes that are capable of destroying pathogens
lymph node
lymph nodes located along the sides of the neck
cervical lymph nodes
lymph nodes located under the arms in the area known as the armpits
axillary lymph nodes
means armpit
axill/o
lymph nodes located in the inguinal (groin) area of the lower abdomen
inguinal lymph nodes
means groin
inguin/o
three masses of lymphoid tissue that form a protective ring around the back of the nose and the upper throat
tonsils
tonsils located in the nasopharynx
adenoids, aka nasopharyngeal tonsils
tonsils located on the left and right sides of the throat in the area that is visible through the mouth
palatine tonsils
tonsils located at the base of the tongue
lingual tonsils
an endocrine gland that assists the immune system, primarily made of lymphoid tissue, located superior to the heart
thymus
structure consisting of lymphoid tissue that works with the immune system to protect against the entry of pathogens through the digestive system, located on the walls of the ileum
Peyer’s patches
structure consisting of lymphoid tissue that works with the immune system to protect against the entry of pathogens through the digestive system, hanging from the lower portion of the cecum
vermiform appendix
first section of the large intestine
cecum
a saclike mass of lymphoid tissue located in the left upper quadrant of the abdomen, just inferior to the diaphragm and posterior to the stomach
spleen
function of destroying worn-out red blood cells
hemolytic
an inflammation of the lymph nodes
lymphadenitis, aka swollen glands
means lymph nodes
lymphaden/o
any disease process affecting a lymph node or nodes
lymphadenopathy
a benign tumor formed by an abnormal collection of lymphatic vessels due to a congenital malformation of the lymphatic system
lymphangioma
means lymph vessel
lymphangi/o
an abnormal enlargement of the spleen
splenomegaly
means spleen
splen/o
bleeding from the spleen
splenorrhagia
a diagnostic test that is performed to detect damage or malformations of the lymphatic vessels
lymphoscintigraphy
swelling due to an abnormal accumulation of lymph fluid within the tissues
lymphedema
means lymph
lymph/o
means swelling
-edema
a hereditary disorder due to malformation of the lymphatic system, produces swelling in the feet and legs
primary lymphedema
caused by damage to the lymphatic system that most commonly produces swelling in the limb nearest to the damaged lymphatic vessels
secondary lymphedema
wraps the body in a physical barrier that prevents invading organisms from entering the body
intact skin
traps breathed-in foreign matter with nose hairs and the moist mucous membrane lining
respiratory system
uses the acids and enzymes produced by the stomach to destroy invaders that are swallowed or consumed with food
digestive system
works together with specialized white blood cells in specific ways to attack and destroy pathogens that have succeeded in entering the body
lymphatic system
a reaction involving binding antigens to antibodies, labeling potentially dangerous antigens so it can be recognized and destroyed by other cells of the immune system
antigen-antibody reaction
any substance that the body regards as being foreign, and includes viruses, bacteria, toxins, and transplanted tissues
antigen
a substance that produces an allergic reaction in an individual
allergen
a disease-fighting protein created by the immune system in response to the presence of a specific antigen
antibody
means against
anti-
bind with specific antigens in the antigen-antibody response, created by plasma cells
immunoglobulins, aka antibodies
specialized white blood cells that produce antibodies coded o destroy specific antigens
plasma cells
white blood cells that are formed in bone marrow as stem cells and undergo further maturation and differentiation in lymphoid tissues throughout the body
lymphocytes
specialized lymphocytes that produce and secrete antibodies, most effective against viruses and bacteria in blood
B cells, aka B lymphocytes
specialized white blood cells that patrol the body searching for antigens that produce infections. phagocytes
dendritic cells
small lymphocytes that mature in the thymus as a result of exposure to the hormone thymosin. they coordinate immune defenses and kill infected cells on contact
T cells, aka T lymphocytes
a family of proteins produced by the T cells whose specialty is fighting viruses by slowing or stopping their multiplication
interferon
direct the antigen-antibody response by signaling between the cells of the immune system, produced by the T cells
lymphokines
a type of white blood cell that surrounds and kills invading cells, also remove dead cells and stimulate the action of other immune cells
macrophage
means large
macro-
means cell that eats
-phage
a large white blood cell that can destroy substances such as cell debris, dust, pollen, and pathogens by the process of phagocytosis
phagocyte
means to eat or swallow
phag/o
a group of proteins that normally circulate in the blood in an inactive form and are activated by contact with nonspecific antigens such as foreign blood cells or bacteria
complement
the state of being resistant to a specific disease
immunity
occurs when the body’s immune system reacts to a harmless allergen such as pollen, food, or animal dander as if it were a dangerous invader
allergic reaction
an overreaction by the body to a particular antigen
allergy, aka hypersensitivity
includes redness, itching, and burning where the skin has come into contact with an allergen
localized allergic response, aka cellular response
a severe response to an allergen, potentially fatal
systemic reaction, aka anaphylaxis
a diagnostic test to identify commonly troublesome allergens such as tree pollen and ragweed
scratch test
medications administered to relieve or prevent the symptoms of hay fever, which is a common allergy to wind-borne pollens, and other type of allergies
antihistamines
any of a large group of diseases characterized by a condition in which the immune system produces antibodies against its own tissues
autoimmune disorder, aka autoimmune disease
occurs when the immune response in compromised
immunodeficiency disorder
a bloodborne infection in which the virus damages or kills the cells of the immune system, causing it to progressively fail
human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
caused by a pathogen that does not normally produce an illness in healthy humans
opportunistic infection
the most advanced and fatal stage of HIV
acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)
an example of an opportunistic infection that is frequently associated with HIV, a cancer that causes patches of abnormal tissue to grow under the skin, mouth, nose, throat, organs
Kaposi’s sarcoma
a blood test used to screen for the presence of HIV antibodies
ELISA, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
a blood test that produces more accurate results than the ELISA test, used when ELISA is positive
Western blot test
a disease treatment that involves either stimulating or repressing the immune response
immunotherapy
means immune
immun/o
means treatment
-therapy
used as a postexposure preventive measure against certain viruses, including rabies and some types of hepatitis
synthetic immunoglobulins
used in the treatment of multiple sclerosis, hep C, and some cancers
synthetic interferon
any of a class of antibodies produced in the lab by identical offspring of a clone of specific cells, used to enhance the patient’s immune response to certain malignancies
monoclonal antibodies
treatment to repress or interfere with the ability of the immune system to respond to stimulation by antigens
immunosuppression
a substance that prevents or reduces the body’s normal immune response, to prevent rejection of donor tissue
immunosuppressant
a hormone-like preparation administered primarily as an anti-inflammatory and as an immunosuppressant
corticosteroid drug
a medication that kills or damages cells
cytotoxic drug
means poison
tox
a microorganism that causes a disease in humans
pathogen
one-celled microscopic organisms
bacteria
rod-shaped spore forming bacteria
bacilli
a small bacterium that lives in lice, fleas, and mites
rickettsia
transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected tick, caused by Rickettsia rickettsii
Rocky Mountain spotted fever
spiral-shaped bacteria that have flexible walls and are capable of movement
spirochetes
caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, transmitted by deer ticks
Lyme disease
a group of about 30 species of bacteria that form irregular groups or clusters resembling grapes
staphylococci
a form of staphylococci that commonly infects wounds and causes serious problems such as toxic shock syndrome or food poisoning
staphylococcus aureus
bacteria that form a chain
streptococci
a serious condition that occurs when an overwhelming bacterial infection affects the body
septic shock
develop when an antibiotic fails to kill all of the bacteria it targets
antibiotic resistant bacteria, aka superbugs
bacteria resistant to most antibiotics
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, MRSA
a simple parasitic organism
fungus
a fungal infection that commonly develops between the toes and on the feet
Tinea pedis
a type of fungus
yeast
known as a yeast infection
candidiasis
a plant or animal that lives on, or within, another living organism at the expense of that organism
parasite
a disease caused by a parasite that lives in certain mosquitos that is transferred to humans by mosquito bites
malaria
most commonly transmitted from animal feces to humans
toxoplasmosis
very small infectious agents that live only by invading other cells
viruses
an acute viral infection characterized by painful skin eruptions that follow the underlying route of an inflamed nerve
Herpes zoster, aka shingles
caused by the Epsein-Barr virus
infectious mononucleosis
an acute, highly contagious infection caused by the rubeola virus and transmitted by respiratory droplets
measles
an acute viral disease characterized by the swelling of the parotid glands
mumps
a viral infection characterized by a low-grade fever, swollen glands, pink rash
rubella, aka german measles or 3-day measles
prevents measles, mumps, and rubella
measles, mumps, and rubella vaccination (MMR)
an acute viral infection that is most commonly transmitted to humans by the bite or saliva of an infected animal
rabies
caused by the herpes virus Varicella zoster and is highly contagious
Varicella, aka chickenpox
spread to humans by mosquito bites, flu-like, may spread to spinal cord and brain
West Nile virus
a member of the herpesvirus family that cause a variety of diseases
cytomegalovirus
medications that are capable of inhibiting growth, or killing pathogenic bacterial microorganisms
antibiotics
means life
bio
means against
anti-
means bacteria
bacteri
means causing death
-cide
means causing control
-static
an agent that destroys or inhibits the growth of fungi
antifungal
means fungus
fung
used to treat viral infections or to provide temporary immunity
antiviral drug
the study of the prevention, causes, and treatment of tumors and cancer
oncology
a growth of tissue that forms an abnormal mass
tumor, aka neoplasm
means new or strange
neo-
a noncancerous growth
benign tumor
a benign tumor made up of muscle tissue
myoma
harmful, capable of spreading to distant body sites including other body systems, can become progressively worse, and life-threatening
malignant tumor
malignant tumor derived from muscle tissue
myosarcoma
means flesh
sarc/o
the process through which the tumor supports its growth by creating its own blood supply
angiogenesis
means vessel
angi/o
means reproduction
-genesis
a class of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled division of cells and the ability of these cells to invade other tissues, either by invasion through direct growth or by metastasizing
cancer
the process by which cancer spreads from one place to another
metastasize
a new cancer site that results from the spreading process
metastasis
means beyond
meta-
means stopping
-stasis
a malignant tumor that occurs in epithelial tissue
carcinoma
means cancer
carcin
describes a malignant tumor in its original position that has not yet disturbed or invaded the surrounding tissues
carcinoma in situ
any one of a large group of carcinomas derived from glandular tissue
adenocarcinoma
a malignant tumor that arises from connective tissues, including hard tissues, soft tissues, and liquid tissues
sarcoma
a malignant tumor usually involving the upper shaft of long bones, the pelvis, or knee
osteosarcoma
a malignant tumor of the tissue surrounding a synovial joint
synovial sarcoma
sarcoma that affects the blood
leukemia
the process of classifying tumors with respect to haw far the disease has progressed, the potential for its responding to therapy, and the patient’s prognosis
staging
a general term applied to malignancies affecting lymphoid tissues
lymphoma
distinguished from other lymphomas by the presence of large, cancerous lymphocytes known as Reed-Sternberg cells
Hodgkin’s lymphoma
term used to describe all other lymphomas
Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
a carcinoma that develops from the cells of the breast and can spread to adjacent lymph nodes and other body sites
breast cancer
breast cancer at its earliest stage before the cancer has broken through the wall of the milk duct
ductal carcinoma in situ
starts in the milk duct, breaks through the wall, and invades the fatty breast tissue
infiltrating ductal carcinoma
cancer that starts in the milk glands, breaks through, and invades the fatty tissue
infiltrating lobular carcinoma
the most aggressive and least common form of breast cancer
inflammatory breast cancer
can occur in the small amount of breast tissue that is normally present in men
male breast cancer
an essential self-care procedure for the early detection of breast cancer
breast self-examination
performed to feel the texture, size, and consistency of the breast
professional palpation of the breast
a radiographic examination of the breasts to detect the presence of tumors or precancerous cells
mammography
means breast
mammo/o
the removal of a small piece of tissue for examination to confirm or establish a diagnosis
surgical biopsy
means pertaining to life
bi-
means view of
-opsy
a technique in which an x-ray guided needle is used to remove small samples of tissue from the breast
needle breast biopsy
after the sentinel lymph node has been identifies, only this and the other affected nodes are removed for biopsy
sentinel-node biopsy
a surgical procedure in which all of the lymph nodes in a major group are removed to determine or slow the spread of cancer
lymph node dissection
the surgical removal of only the cancerous tissue and surrounding margin of normal tissue
lumpectomy
the surgical removal of the entire breast and nipple
mastectomy
means breast
mast
the surgical removal of the entire breast and all of the axillary lymph nodes under the adjacent arm
modified radical mastectomy
the surgical removal of an entire breast and many of the surrounding tissues
radical mastectomy
the use of chemical agents and drugs in combinations selected to destroy malignant cells and tissues
chemotherapy
the use of natural or synthetic substances such as drugs, vitamins to reduce the risk of developing cancer, or that chance that it will recur
chemoprevention
medication that blocks the development, growth, or proliferation of malignant cells
antineoplastic
used in the treatment of some cancers, with the goal of destroying the cancer while sparing healthy tissues
radiation therapy
the use of radioactive materials in contact with, or implanted into, the tissues to be treated
brachytherapy
means short
brachy-
radiation therapy administered at a distance from the body
teletherapy
used after the primary treatments have been completed to decrease the chance that a cancer will recur
adjuvant therapy
a developing form of anti-cancer drug therapy that uses drugs or other substances to identify and attack specific cancer cells without harming normal cells
targeted therapy
Done
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