The Lymphatic and Immune Systems Flashcards
lymph; the fluid that removes cellular waste products, pathogens, and dead blood cells from the tissues
lymph/o
lymphatic vessels and ducts; the capillaries, vessels, and ducts that return lymph from the tissues to the venous system
lymphangi/o
lymph nodes; bean-shaped structures of the lymphatic system where pathogens and other harmful substances are filtered from the lymph by specialized cells of the immune system
lymphaden/o
tonsils and adenoids; lymphatic structures of the lymphatic system that protect the entry to the respiratory system
tonsill/o, adenoid/o
spleen; a sac-like mass of lymphoid tissue with protective roles in both the immune and lymphatic systems
splen/o
bone marrow; produces lymphocytes, which are specialized leukocytes (white blood cells)
myel/o
lymphocytes; specialized leukocytes that play important roles in immune reactions
lymphocyt/o
thymus; a gland located in the upper chest with specialized roles in both the lymphatic and immune systems
thym/o
against
anti-
cancerous
carcin/o
immune, protection, safe
immun/o
new, strange
neo-, ne/o
tumor
-oma, onco-
eat, swallow
phag/o
formative material
-plasm
flesh, connective tissue
sarc/o
pertaining to
-tic
poison, poisonous
tox/o
small fingerlike projections that line the small intestine
villi
specialized structures of the lymphatic system that absorb those fats that cannot be transported by the bloodstream
lacteals
(intercellular fluid or tissue fluid) plasma from arterial blood that flows out of the arterioles and into the capillaries, then flows into the spaces between the cells of the tissues
interstitial fluid
the remaining 10% of the returning interstitial fluid; clear, watery fluid containing electrolytes and proteins
lymph
microscopic, blind-ended (sealed on one end) tubes located near the surface of the body with capillary walls that are only one cell in thickness
lymphatic capillaries
located deeper within the tissues; valves prevent backward flow of lymph
lymphatic vessels
collects lymph from the right side of the head and neck, the upper right quadrant, and the right arm; empties into the right subclavian
right lymphatic duct
largest lymphatic vessel in the body; collects lymph from the left side of the head and neck, the upper left quadrant, the left arm, and the entire lower portion of the trunk, and both legs; empties into the left subclavian vein
thoracic duct
the proximal part of the main part of the arm
subclavian vein
located along the sides of the neck
cervical lymph nodes
neck
cervic
located under the arms in the area known as the armpits
axillary lymph nodes
armpit
axill
located in the inguinal (groin) area of the lower abdomen
inguinal lymph nodes
(lymphoid cells) leukocytes that are formed in bone marrow as stem cells; work together with the body’s organs to defend the body against antigens
lymphocytes
any substance that the body regards as being foreign
antigen
the process of becoming mature
maturation
to be modified to perform a specific function
differentiation
(NK cells) play an important role in the killing of cancer cells and cells infected by viruses
natural killer cells
(B lymphocytes) specialized lymphocytes that produce antibodies; when it confronts with the antigen that it is coded to destroy, it becomes a plasma cell
B cells
develop from B cells and secrete a large volume of antibodies coded to destroy specific antigens
plasma cells
(T lymphocytes) get their name from their origin in the thymus; play a central role in cell-mediated immunity
T cells
a group of proteins such as interferons and interleukins released primarily by the T cells
cytokines
(INFs) produced in response to the presence of antigens, particularly viruses or tumor cells; activate the immune system, fight viruses by slowing or stopping their multiplication, and signal other cells to increase their defenses
interferons
play multiple roles in the immune system, including directing B and T cells to divide and proliferate
interleukins
pertaining to the lymphatic system or resembling lymph or lymphatic tissue
lymphoid
three masses of lymphatic tissue that form a protective ring around the back of the nose and upper throat; prevents pathogens from entering the respiratory system when breathing through the nose and mouth
tonsils
(nasopharyngeal tonsils) located in the nasopharynx, which is the upper part of the pharynx
adenoids
located on the left and right sides of the throat in the area that is visible at the back of the mouth
palatine tonsils
describes the hard and soft palates that form the roof of the mouth
palatine
located at the base of the tongue; not readily visible
lingual tonsils
pertaining the tongue
lingual
a mass of lymphatic tissue located above the heart, reaches its greatest size at puberty and becomes smaller with age
thymus
(appendix) hangs from the lower portion of the cecum, which is the first section of the large intestine; may play an important role in the immune system
veriform apendix
a sac-like mass of lymphoid tissue located in the left upper quadrant of the abdomen, just below the diaphragm and behind the stomach
spleen
function of destroying worn-out erythrocytes and releasing their hemoglobin for reuse
hemolytic
disease-producing microorganisms
pathogens
substances that produce allergic reactions
allergens
poisonous or harmful substances
toxins
potentially life-threatening cancer cells
malignant cells
wraps the body in a physical barrier to prevent invading organisms from entering the body; covered with an acid mantle
intact skin
traps breathed-in foreign matter with nose hairs and the moist mucous membrane lining of the respiratory system; tonsils protect the throat; coughing and sneezing help expel foreign matter
respiratory system
uses the acids and enzymes produced by the stomach to destroy invaders that are swallowed or consumed with food
digestive system
specialized white blood cells work together in specific ways to attack and destroy pathogens that have succeeded in entering the body
lymphatic system
(immune reaction) involves binding antigens to antibodies
antigen-antibody recation
refers to an acquired unresponsiveness to a specific antigen
tolerance
(immunoglobulin) a disease-fighting protein created by the immune system in response to the presence of a specific antigen
antibody
bind with specific antigen in the antigen-antibody reaction; 5 primary types
immunoglobulin
(IgG) most abundant class; found in blood serum and lymph; active against bacteria, fungi, viruses, and foreign particles
immunoglobulin G
(IgA) produced predominantly against ingested antigens; found in body secretions such as saliva, sweat, or tears, and the function to prevent the attachment of viruses and bacteria to the epithelial surfaces that line most organs
immunoglobulin A
(IgM) found in circulating body fluids; the first antibody to appear in response to an initial exposure to an antigen
immunoglobulin M
(IgD) found only on the surface of B cell; important in B cell activation
immunoglobulin D
(IgE) produced in the lungs, skin, and mucous membranes; responsible for allergic reaction
immunoglobulin E
specialized leukocytes that act as part of the antigen-antibody reaction by destroying substances such as cell debris, dust, pollen, and pathogens by the process of phagocytosis
phagocytes
leukocytes that provide immunological defenses against many infectious organisms
monocytes
a type of leukocyte that surrounds and kills invading cells; also remove dead cells and stimulate the action of other immune cells
macrophage
specialized leukocytes that patrol the body searching for antigens that produce infections
dendritic cells
group of proteins that normally circulate in the blood in an inactive form
complement system
the state of being resistant to a specific disease; natural or acquired
immunity
(passive) resistance to a disease present without the administration of an antigen or exposure to a disease; present at birth and can be augmented when the breastmilk passes from a nursing mother to her body
natural immunity
obtained by having had a contagious disease; being vaccinated against a contagious disease provides protection against a disease without having been exposed to the risk of actually having the disease
acquired immunity
a preparation containing an antigen, consisting of whole or partial disease-causing organisms, which have been killed or weakened
vaccine
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
specializes in diagnosing and treating disorders of the lymphatic system
lymphologist
specializes in diagnosing and treating malignant disorders such as tumors and cancer
oncologist
(swollen glands) an inflammation of the lymph nodes; frequently an indication of an infection
lymphadenitis
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
a medical emergency that occurs when the covering of the spleen is torn, usually a result of a direct blow to the abdomen
ruptured spleen
bleeding from the spleen
splenorrhagia
an abnormal enlargement of the spleen
splenomegaly
a diagnostic test that is performed to detect damage or malformations of the lymphatic vessels
lymphoscintigraphy
swelling of the tissues due to the abnormal accumulation of lymph fluid within the tissues
lymphedema
hereditary condition of the lymphatic system that develops with swelling beginning in the feet and progressing to the ankles and in an upward direction along the legs; more common in females during puberty
primary lymphedema
caused by damage to lymphatic vessels that is most frequently due to cancer treatment, surgery, trauma, or burns
secondary lymphedema
noninvasive method of diagnosing lymphedema
bioimpedance spectroscopy
when the body’s immune system reacts to a harmless allergen such as pollen, food, or animal dander as is it were a dangerous invader
allergic reaction
(hypersensitivity) an overreaction by the body to a particular antigen
allergy
a substance that produces an allergic reaction in an individual
allergen
(cellular response) includes redness, itching, and burning where the skin has come into contact with an allergen
localized allergic reaction
(anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock) a severe response to an allergen
system reaction
a diagnostic test to identify commonly troublesome allergens; swelling and itching may indicate an allergic reaction
scratch test
blood test used to determine allergens
allergen specific immunoglobulin E
medications administered to relieve or prevent the symptoms of hay fever; prevents the effects of histamines
antihistamines
(autoimmune disease) any of a large group of diseases characterized by a condition in which the immune system produces antibodies against its own tissues, mistaking healthy cells, tissues, or organs for antigens
autoimmune disorders
occurs when the immune response is compromised
immunodeficiency disorder
weakened or not functioning properly
compromised
(SCID) an inherited condition in which abnormalities in the immune system cause an increased susceptibility to infection and failure to thrive as a result from infections
severe combined immunodeficiency
(HIV) a bloodborne infection in which the virus damages or kills the T cells of the immune system, causing it to progressively fail
human immunodeficiency virus
caused by a pathogen that does not normally produce an illness in health humans; when a host is debilitated, these pathogens are able to cause infection
opportunistic infection
weakened by another condition
debilitated
(AIDS) the most advanced and fatal stage of HIV infection
acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
opportunistic infection that is frequently associated with HIV; this cancer causes patches of abnormal tissue to grow under the skin; in the lining of the mouth, nose, and throat,; or in other organs
Kaposi’s sarcoma
(ELISA) blood test used to screen for the presence of HIV antibodies, as well as Lyme disease and other infectious conditions
enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
blood test that produces more accurate results that the ELISA test
western blot test
(biological therapy) a disease treatment that involves either stimulating or repressing the immune response
immunotherapy
to cause greater activity
stimulate
to decrease or stop a normal response (allergy desensitization)
repress
(immune serum) used as a post-exposure preventative measure against certain viruses
synthetic immunoglobulins
the patient has already been exposed to the virus
post-exposure
used in the treatment of multiple sclerosis, hepatitis C, and some cancers
synthetic interferons
any of a class of antibodies produced in the laboratory by identical offspring of a clone of specific cells
monoclonal antibodies
pertaining to a single clone of cells
monoclonal
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; administered to prevent the rejection of donor tissue and to depress autoimmune disorders
immunosuppressant
a hormone-like preparation administered primarily as an anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant
corticosteroid drug
a medication that kills or damages cells
cytotoxic drug
a microorganism that causes a disease in humans
pathogen
a living organism that is so small that it can be seen only with the aid of a microscope
microorganism
capable of producing disease
pathogenic
one-celled microscopic organisms
bacteria
rod-shaped, spore-forming bacteria
bacilli
a contagious disease that can be transmitted through livestock infected with Bacillus anthrasis
anthrax
a small bacterium that lives in lice, fleas, ticks, and mites; example: Rocky Mountain spotted fever
rickettsia
long, slender, spiral-shaped bacteria that have flexible walls and are capable of movement
spirochetes
transmitted to humans by the bite of a tick that has had contact with a deer infected with the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi
Lyme disease
a group of about 30 species of bacteria that for irregular groups or clusters resembling grapes
staphylococci
(staph aureus) a form of staphylococcus that often infects wounds and causes serious problems such as toxic shock syndrome or food poisoning
staphylococcus aureus
a bacteria that form a chain
streptococci
when antibiotics fail to kill all of the bacteria they target
antibiotic-resistant bacteria
(MRSA) one of the several types of bacteria that are now resistant to most antibiotics
methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus
a simple parasitic organism
fungus
(athlete’s foot) a fungal infection that develops between the toes
tinea pedis
a type of fungus
yeast
yeast infection
candidiasis
a yeast infection that occurs in the mouth
oral thrush
a yeast infection that occurs in the vagina
vaginal candidiasis
a plant or animal that lives or or within another organism at the expense of that organism
parasite
caused by a parasite that lives in certain mosquitos and is transferred to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito
malaria
a parasite that is most commonly transmitted form pets to humans by contact with contaminated animal feces; pregnant women should avoid
toxoplasmosis
very small infectious agents that live only by invading other cells
viruses
rare and generally fatal disease transmitted by contact with any bodily fluids infected with the Ebola virus
Ebola
(flu) highly contagious viral respiratory infection that usually occurs in seasonal epidemics
influenza
an acute, highly contagious infection that is transmitted by respiratory droplets of rubeola virus
measles
severe sensitivity to light
photophobia
acute viral infection that is characterized by the swelling of the parotid glands, which are salivary glands located just in front of the ears; in adults, it can cause painful swelling of the ovaries or testicles
mumps
(German measles or three-day measles) a viral infection characterized by a low-grade fever, swollen glands, inflamed eyes, and a fine, pink rash; although not usually severe or long-lasting, it is serious in a woman during early pregnancy because it can cause defects in developing fetus
Rubella
measles, mumps, and rubella vaccination; immunization can prevent these three viral illnesses and should be administered in early childhood
MMR
an acute viral infection that is transmitted to humans though the bite or saliva of an infected animal
rabies
spread to humans by the bite of an infected animal
West Nile virus
(CMV) found in most body fluids; silent infection
cytomegalovirus
(chickenpox) caused by herpes virus Varicella zoster and is highly contagious
varicella
(shingles) an acute viral infection characterized by painful skin eruptions that follow the underlying route of an inflamed nerve
Herpes zoster
a complication that may follow herpes zoster if nerve fibers have been damaged during the outbreak; resulting pain can be severe and persistant
postherpetic neuralgia
(mono) caused by the Epstein-Barr virus; characterized by fever, a sore throat, and enlarged lymph nodes; may develop swelling of the liver or spleen
infectious mononucleosis
medications capable of inhibiting growth or killing pathogenic bacterial microorganisms
antibiotics
to slow the growth or development
inhibit
a substance that causes death of bacteria (penicillin & cephalosporins)
bactericide
agent that slows or stops the growth of bacteria (tetracycline, sulfonamide, erythromycin)
bacteriostatic
an agent that destroys or inhibits the growth of fungi (antimyotic)
antifungal
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
(neoplasm) an abnormal growth of body tissue
tumor
not cancer, not life-threatening
benign
a benign tumor made up of muscle tissue
myoma
a form of cancer, becoming progressively worse or life-threatening
malignant
an example of a malignant tumor derived from muscle tissue
myosarcoma
the process through which a tumor supports its growth by creating its own blood supply
angiogenesis
a form of treatment that disrupts the blood supply to the tumor
antiangiogenesis
a class of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled division of cells and the ability of these cells to invade other tissues
cancer
to spread from one place to another
metastasize
describes the process by which cancer has spread to a new site
metastasis
a malignant tumor that occurs in epithelial tissue
carcinoma
a malignant tumor in its original position that has not yet disturbed or invaded the surrounding tissues
carcinoma in situ
means in the place where the cancer first occured
in situ
any one of the large group of carcinomas derived from glandular tissue
adenocarcinoma
a malignant tumor that arises from connective tissues, including hard, soft, and liquid connective tissues
sarcoma
cancer that arises from bone or cartilage
hard-tissue sarcoma
usually involves the upper shaft of the long bones, pelvis, or knee
osteosarcoma
cancers of the muscle, fat, fibrous tissue, blood and lymphatic vessels, or other supporting tissue
soft-tissue sarcoma
a tumor of the tissues surrounding a synovial joint such as the knees or elbows
synovial sarcoma
cancer that arises from blood and lymph
liquid tissue sarcoma
cancer of the white blood-forming cells in the bone marrow
leukemia
the process of classifying tumors by how 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; includes lymph nodes, the spleen, liver, and bone marrow
lymphoma
cancer of the immune system distinguished by the presence of large, cancerous lymphocytes known as Reed-Sternberg cells
Hodgkin’s lymphoma
refers to all lymphomas other than Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
carcinoma that develops from the cells of the breast and can be spread to adjacent lymph nodes and other body sites
breast cancer
grow in response to the hormone estrogen
ER-positive
abnormal genes that carry a higher risk of breast, ovarian, and certain other cancers
BRCA1 and BRCA2
(DCIS) breast cancer at its earliest stage before the cancer has broken through the wall of the milk duct; cure rate is nearly 100%
ductal carcinoma in situ
(IDC) starts in the milk duct and invades the fatty breast tissue outside the duct; most common form of breast cancer
infiltrating breast cancer
(IBC) a rare but aggressive form of breast cancer in which the cancer cells block the lymphatic vessels in the skin of the breast
inflammatory breast cancer
a self-care procedure for the early detection of breast cancer
breast self-examination
a test performed by a trained health care provider to check the texture, size, and consistency of the breast
palpation of the breast
a radiographic examination of the breasts to detect the presence of tumors or precancerous cells
mammography
(MBI) a nuclear medicine technique using gamma radiation to detect potential tumors in particular dense breast tissue
molecular breast imaging
often used as an initial follow-up when an abnormality is found by mammography
ultrasound
uses magnets and radio waves, and the insertion of a contrast medium via IV, to get more detailed information for those already diagnosed with cancer or to look for signs of cancer in patients at high risk
breast MRI
a technique in which an x-ray or MRI guided needle is used to remove small samples of tissue from the breast for diagnosis and the planning of treatment
needle breast biopsy
the removal of a small piece of tissue for examination to confirm diagnosis
surgical biopsy
a biopsy of the first lymph node to come into contact with cancer cells as they leave the organ of origination and start spreading into the rest of the body
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 in this area
lymph node dissection
sometimes performed as part of the surgical treatment of the breast
axillary lymph node dissection
the surgical removal of only the cancerous tissue with the surrounding margin of normal tissue
lumpectomy
the surgical removal of the entire breast and nipple
mastectomy
the surgical removal of an entire breast and many of the surrounding tissues
radial mastectomy
the surgical removal of the entire breast and all of the axillary lymph nodes under the adjacent arm
modified radial mastectomy
begins during the same surgery as the mastectomy when an “expander” is placed to replace the tissue that was removed
immediate breast reconstruction
may be necessary if the surgery is to be followed by radiation treatment
delayed breast reconstruction
the use of chemical agents and drugs in combinations selected to destroy malignant cells and tissues
chemotherapy
of natural or synthetic substances such as drugs or vitamins to reduce the risk of developing cancer or to reduce the chance that cancer will recur
chemoprevention
a medication that blocks the development, growth, or proliferation of malignant cells
antineoplastic
to increase rapidly
proliferation
the goal of destroying only the cancerous tissues while sparing healthy cells
radiation therapy
radioactive materials in contact with or implanted into the tissues to be treated
brachytherapy
radiation therapy administered at a distance from the body
teletherapy
the combination of tomography with radiation therapy to precisely target the tumor being treated slice by slice
tomotherapy
a developing form of anticancer drug therapy that uses drugs and other substances to identify and attack specific cancer cells without harming normal cells
targeted therapy
sometimes used after the primary cancer treatments have been completed to decrease the chance that cancer will recur
adjuvant therapy
refers to an agent intended to increase the effectiveness of a drug
adjuvant
involve testing new and promising cancer treatments that have not yet received FDA approval on patients who agree to be part of the research
clinical trial
