The Lymphatic and Immune Systems Flashcards
1
Q
primary function of lymph
A
remove cellular waste products, pathogens and dead blood cells from the tissues
2
Q
primary function of lymphatic vessels and ducts
A
return lymph from the tissues to the venous bloudstream
3
Q
lymph nodes
A
bean-shaped structures where pathogens and other harmful substances are filtered from the lymph
4
Q
tonsils and adenoids
A
lymphoid structures that protect the entry to the respiratory system
5
Q
spleen
A
sac-like mass of lymphoid tissue with protective roles in both the immune and lymphatic systems
6
Q
primary role of bone marrow
A
produces lymphocytes, which are specializes leukocytes
7
Q
lymphocytes
A
specialized leukocytes that play important roles in immune reactions
8
Q
3 main functions of the lymphatic system
A
- absorb fats and fat-soluble vitamins through the lacteals of the small intestine
- remove waste products from the tissues and help immune system destroy invading pathogens
- return filtered lymph to the veins
9
Q
lackteals
A
specialized structures that absorb fats that can not be transported by the bloodstream
10
Q
interstitial fluid
A
aka intercellular or tissue fluid; plasma from arterial blood that delivers nutrients, oxygen and hormones to cells
11
Q
lymph
A
a clear, watery fluid; collects protein molecules, removes dead cells, debris and pathogens and returns to the back of the neck
12
Q
lymphatic circulatory system
A
aka secondary circulatory system; where blood circulates in a loop pumped by the heart in only one direction from it’s origin, returning to the circulatory system at the base of the neck
13
Q
lymphatic capillaries
A
microscopic, sealed on one end tubes located near the surface of the body with narrow capillary walls.
14
Q
lymphatic vessels
A
located deeper within the tissues; have valves to prevent the backward flow of lymph
15
Q
right lymphatic duct
A
collects lymph from the right side of the head and neck, upper right quadrant of the body and the right arm; empties into the right subclavian vein
16
Q
thoracic duct
A
the largest lymphatic vessel in the body, collects lymph from the left side of the head and neck, the left upper quadrant, left arm and both legs; empties into the left subclavian vein
17
Q
lymph node
A
contains specialized lymphocytes that are capable of destroying pathogens
18
Q
Name 3 major groups of lymph nodes and their location
A
- cervical lymph nodes are located along the sides of the neck
- axillary lymph nodes located under the arms in the armpits
- inguinal lymph nodes located in the groin area
19
Q
lymphocytes
A
aka lymphoid cells are leukocytes that are formed in bone marrow as stem cells; defends the body against antigens
20
Q
antigen
A
any substance that the body regards as foreign
21
Q
3 types of lymphocytes
A
natural killer cells, B cells and T cells
22
Q
The role of natural killer cells
A
killing cancer cells and cells infected by viruses
23
Q
B cells
A
specialized lymphocytes that produce antibodies
24
Q
plasma cells
A
develop from B cells and secrete a large volume of antibodies
25
T cells
aka T lymphocytes; play a central role in cell-mediated immunity
26
cytokines
group of proteins such as interferons and interleukins released primarily by T cells
27
interferons functions
produced in response to presence of antigens; activate the immune system, fight viruses by slowing or stopping their multiplication and signal other cells to increase defenses
28
interleukins roles
directs B cells and T cells to divide and proliferate
29
tonsils
are three masses of lymphoid tissue that form a protective ring around the back of the nose and upper throat; prevents pathogens from entering the respiratory system
30
thymus
a mass of lymphoid tissue located above the heart; secretes a hormone that stimulates maturation of lymphocytes into T cells
31
spleen's functions (4)
filters microorganisms,
forms lymphocytes and monocytes,
has the hemolytic function of destroying worn-out erythrocytes and releasing their hemoglobin for reuse
stores extra erythrocytes and maintains the appropriate balance between cells and the plasma of blood
32
intact skin
wraps the body in a physical barrier to prevent invading organisms from entering the body
33
respiratory system
traps breathed-in foreign matter with nose hairs and the moist mucous membrane lining
tonsils form a protective ring around the throat
34
digestive system
uses the acid and enzymes to destroy invaders that are swallowed or consumed with food
35
antigen-antibody reaction
aka immune reaction; binds antigens to antibodies; labels dangerous antigens so it can be recognized and destroyed by other cells
36
tolerance
to an acquired unresponsiveness to a specific antigen
37
antibody
a disease-fighting protein created by the immune system in response to the presence of a specific antigen
38
phagocytes
specialized leukocytes that destroy cell debris, dust, pollen, and pathogens using the process called phagocytosis.
39
macrophage
a type of leukocyte that surrounds and kills invading cellsl
40
dendritic cells
specialized leukocytes that patrol the body searching for antigens that produce infections
41
complement system
a group of proteins that normally circulate the blood in an inactive form, when needed these cells ward off pathogens by combining with them to dissolve and remove pathogenic bacteria
complement means to complete or make whole
42
immunity
the state of being resistant to a specific disease
43
natural immunity
aka passive immunity; resistance to a disease without the administration of an antigen or exposure to a disease
44
acquired immunity
obtained by having had a contagious disease ie. being vaccinated
45
allergist
specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions of altered immunologic reactivity
46
immunologist
specializes in diagnosing and treating disorders of the immune system
47
lymphologist
a physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating disorders of the lymphatic system
48
oncologist
a physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating malignant disorders
49
lymphadenitis
aka swollen glands; an inflammation of the lymph nodes
50
lymphadenopathy
any disease process affecting a lymph node
51
lymphangioma
a benign tumor formed by an abnormal collection of lymphatic vessels due to a congenital malformation of the lymphatic system
52
ruptured spleen
a medical emergency that occurs when the covering of the spleen is torn
53
splenorrhagia
is abnormal bleeding from the spleen
54
splenomegaly
is an abnormal enlargement of the spleen
55
lymphoscintigraphy
a diagnostic test that is performed to detect damage or malformations of the lymphatic vessels
56
lymphedema
swelling of tissues due to an abnormal accumulation of lymph fluid within the tissues caused by damage to the lymphatic system that prevents lymph from draining properly
57
bioimpedance spectroscopy
noninvasive method of diagnosing lymphedema; measures the resistance to an electrical current passed through the affected limb
58
allergy
aka hypersensitivity; an overreaction by the body to a particular antigen
59
localized allergic response
itching , redness and burning where the skin has come into contact with the allergen.
60
systemic reaction
aka anaphylaxis; a severe response to an allergen; without quick medical response the patient can die within a few minutes
61
antihistamine
medications administered to relieve or prevent the symptoms of allergic reactions
62
autoimmune disorder
a condition in which the immune system produces antibodies against its own tissues, mistaking healthy cells, tissues or organs for antigens
63
immunodeficiency disorder
occurs when the immune response is compromised
| compromised means weakened or not functioning properly
64
human immunodeficiency virus
aka HIV; a blood borne infection in which the virus damages or kills the T cells of the immune system, causing the body to progressively fail
65
opportunistic infection
caused by pathogens that do not normally produce an illness in healthy humans; only when the human is debilitated
66
acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
aka AIDS; the most advances and fatal stage of HIV
67
kaposi's sarcoma
a type of opportunistic infections that causes patches of abnormal tissue to grow under the skin, the lining of the mouth, nose and throat; or other organ.
68
ELISA
Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; a blood test used to screen for the presence of HIV antibodies, lyme disease and other conditions
69
western blot test
a blood test performed to confirm the diagnosis when the results of the ELISA test are positive for HIV
70
immunotherapy
a disease treatment that involves stimulating or repressing the immune response
71
immunosppression
treatment to repress or interfere with the ability of the immune system to respond to stimulation by antigens
72
immunosuppressant
a substance that prevents or reduces the body's normal immune response
73
corticosteroid drug
hormone-like preparation administered primarily as an anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant
74
cytotoxic drug
a medication that kills or damages cells
75
bacteria
one-celled microscopic organisms
76
anthrax
a contagious disease that can be transmitted through livestock infected with bacillus anthracis
77
rickettsia
a small bacterium that live in lice, fleas, ticks and mites
78
spirochetes
long slender spiral-shaped bacteria that have flexible walls and are capable of movement
79
lyme disease
transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected tick
80
staphylococci
group of about 30 species of bacteria that form irregular groups or clusters resembling grapes
81
streptococci
bacteria that form a chain
82
antibiotic-resistant bacteria
when antibiotics fail to kill all the bacteria they target
83
fungus
a simple parasitic organism; some harmless and some are pathogenic
84
yeast
a type of fungus that occurs on the skin or mucous membranes in warm, moist conditions
85
parasite
a plant or animal that lives on or within another living organism at the expense of that organism
86
malaria
caused by a parasite that lives in certain mosquitoes and is transferred to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito
87
toxoplasmosis
a parasite that is most commonly transmitted from pets to humans by contact with contaminated animal feces
88
viruses
very small infections agents that live only by invading other cells; after invasion, the virus reproduces and then breaks the wall of the infected cell to release newly formed viruses
89
ebola
a rare and generally fatal disease transmitted by contact with any bodily fluids infected with the ebola virus
90
influenza
a highly contagious viral respiratory infection that occurs in seasonal epidemics
91
measles
an acute, highly contagious infection transmitted by respiratory droplets of the rebeola virus
92
mumps
an acute viral infection characterized by the swelling of the parotid glands (salivary glands located in front of the ears)
93
rubella
aka German measles, a viral infection characterizes by a low-grade fever, swollen glands, inflamed eyes and a pink rash.
94
MMR is
measles, mumps and rubella vaccination is an immunization to prevent these illnesses; administered in early childhood.
95
rabies
an acute viral infection transmitted to humans through the bite or saliva of an infected animal
96
West Nile virus
spread to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito
97
varicella
aka chickenpox; highly contagious virus characterized by a fever and a rash consisting of hundreds of itchy, fluid-filled blisters that burst and form crusts
98
herpes zoster
aka shingles; an acute viral infection characterized by painful skin eruptions.
99
postherpetic neuralgia
a complication that may follow herpes zoster if nerve fibers have been damaged resulting in severe pain
100
infectious mononucleosis
aka mono; characterized by fever, a sore throat and enlarged lymph nodes.
101
antibiotics
medications capable of inhibiting growth or killing pathogenic bacterial microorganisms
102
bactericide
a substance that causes the death of bacteria
103
antifungal
an agent that destroys or inhibits the growth of fungi
104
antiviral drug
used to treat viral infections or to provide temporary immunity
105
oncology
the study of the prevention, causes and treatment of tumors
106
tumor
also known as a neoplasm; an abnormal growth of tissue
107
myoma
a benign tumor made of muscle tissue
108
myosarcoma
a malignant tumor derived from muscle tissue
109
angiogenesis
the process through which a tumour supports its growth be creating its own blood supply
110
antiangiogenesis
a form of treatment that disrupts the blood supply to the tumor
111
cancer
is a class of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled decision of cells and the ability of these cells to invade other tissues
112
metastasize
to spread from one place to another
113
metastasis
the process by which cancer is spread to a new site
114
carcinoma
a malignant tumor that occurs in epithelial tissue
115
carcinoma in situ
a malignant tumor in its original position that has not yet disturbed or invaded the surrounding tissues
116
adenocarcinoma
any large group of carcinoma derived from glandular tissue
117
sarcoma
a malignant tumor that arises from conective tissues
118
hard tissue sarcomas
arise from bone or cartilage
119
soft tissue sarcoma
cancers of the muscle, fat, fibrous tissue, blood and lymphatic vessels
120
liquid-tissue sarcoma
arise from blood and lymph
121
staging
the process of classifying tumors by how far the disease has progressed, the potential for it's responding to treatments and the patient's prognosis
122
lymphoma
a general term applied to malignancies affecting lymphoid tissues
123
Hodgkin's lymphoma
a cancer of the immune system distinguished by the presence of large, cancerous lymphocytes known as reed-sternberg cells
124
breast cancer
a carcinoma that develops from the cells of the breast and can spread to adjacent lymph nodes and other body sites
125
Ductal carcinoma in situ
breast cancer at its earliest stage before the cancer has broken through the wall of the milk duct
126
infiltrating ductal carcinoma
starts in the milk duct and invades the fatty breast tissue outside the duct
127
inflammatory breast cancer
a rare but aggressive form of breast cancer in which the cancer cells block the lymphatic vessels in the skin of the breast
128
breast self-examination
a self-care procedure for the early detection of breast cancer
129
palpation of the breast
a test performed by a trained health care provider to check the texture, size and consistency of the breast
130
mammography
a radiographic examination of the breasts to detect the presence of tumors or precancerous cells
131
molecular breast imaging
a nuclear medicine technique using gamma radiation to detect potential tumors in particularly dense breast tissue
132
ultrasound
often used as an initial follow -up test when an abnormality is found by mammography
133
breast MRI
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
134
needle breast biopsy
technique in which an x-ray or MRI guided needle is use to remove small samples of tissue from the breast for diagnosis
135
surgical biopsy
the removal of a small piece of tissue for examination to confirm a diagnosis.
136
lymph node dissection
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 the area
137
lumpectomy
is the surgical removal of only the cancerous tissue with the surrounding margin of normal tissue
138
mastectomy
the surgical removal of the entire breast and nipple
139
radical mastectomy
the surgical removal of an entire breast and many of the surrounding tissues
140
modified radical mastectomy
the surgical removal of the entire breast and all of the axillary lymph nodes under the adjacent arm
141
chemotherapy
the use of chemical agents and drugs in combinations selected to destroy malignant cells and tissues
142
chemoprevention
the use of natural or synthetic substances such as drugs or vitamins to reduce the risk of developing cancer
143
antineoplastic
a medication that blocks the development, growth or proliferation of malignant cells
144
cytotoxic drugs
used for both immunosuppression and chemotherapy
145
brachytherapy
the use of radioactive materials in contact with or implanted in to the tissues to be treated
146
teletherapy
radiation therapy administered at a distance from the body
147
tomotherapy
the combination of tomography with radiation therapy to precisely target the tumor being treated
148
targeted therapy
developing form of anticancer drug therapy that uses drugs or other substances to identify and attack specific cancer cells
