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191 Cards in this Set
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lymph |
the fluid that removes cellular waste products, pathogens, and dead blood cells from the tissues |
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lymph/o |
medical term element meaning lymph |
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lymphatic vessels and ducts |
the capillaries, vessels, and ducts that return lymph from the tissues and venous blood stream |
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lymphaden/o |
medical term element meaning lymph nodes |
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lymphangi/o |
medical term element meaning lymphatic vessels and ducts |
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lymph nodes |
bean-shaped structures of the lymphatic system where pathogens and other harmful substances are filtered by specialized cells of the immune system |
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tonsils and adenoids |
lymphoid structures of the lymphatic system that protect the entry to the respiratory system |
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tonsill/o, adenoid/o |
medical term element meaning tonsil and adenoid respectively |
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spleen |
a sac-like mass of lymphoid tissue with protective roles in both the immune and lymphatic systems |
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splen-/o |
medical term element meaning spleen |
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bone marrow |
Produces lymphocytes, which are specialized leukocytes (white blood cells) |
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myel/o |
a medical term element meaning bone marrow or spinal cord |
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lymphocytes |
specialized leukocytes that play an important role in immune reactions |
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lymphocyt/o |
medical term element meaning lymphocytes |
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thymus |
a gland located in the upper chest with specialized roles in both lymphatic and immune systems |
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villus, villi |
finger-like projections in the small intestine that contain lacteals and blood vessels |
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lacteals |
specialized structures of the lymphatic system that absorb the fats that cannot be transported by the bloodstream |
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interstitial fluid |
plasma from the arterial blood that flows out of arterioles and into capillaries and then flows into the spaces between the cells and tissues; delivers nutrients, oxygen, and hormones to the cells; upon leaving the cells it brings waste products and protein molecules that were created within the cells |
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lymphatic circulatory system |
known as the second circulatory system, flows in only one direction can, only move upward until it returns to the circulatory system at the base of the neck; moves lymph through its system |
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lymph vessels |
microscopic blind ended tubes located near the surface of the body with capillaries only one cell thick |
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lymph vessels |
located deep within the tissue; have valves to prevent backward flow of lymph; each duct drains a specific part of the body and returns the lemph to the venous circulation |
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right lymphatic duct |
collects lymph from the right side of the head and neck, the upper right quadrant of the body, and the right arm; empties into the subclavian vein |
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subclavian vein |
a vein that is the proximal part of the main vein of the arm |
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thoracic 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, the entire lower portion of the trunk, and both legs; empties into the left subclavian vein |
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lymph nodes |
small bean-shaped node that contains specialized lymphocytes that are capable of destroying pathogens |
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cervical lymph nodes |
nodes that are located along the sides of the neck |
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axillary lymph nodes |
nodes located under the arms in the area known as the armpit |
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inguinal lymph nodes |
nodes located in the groin area of the lower abdomen |
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lymphocytes |
also known as lymphoid cells, are formed in bone marrow as stem cells; work together with the body's organs to defend against antigens |
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antigen |
any substance that the body regards as being foreign; includes viruses, bacteria, toxins, and transplanted tissues |
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maturation |
the process of becoming mature |
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differentiation |
means to be modified to perform a specific function |
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natural killer cells or NK cells |
these cells play an important role in the killing of cancer cells and cells infected by viruses |
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B cells, B lymphocytes |
cells that are most effective against viruses and bacteria that are circulating; when confronted with an antigen that it is coded to destroy, it is transformed into a plasma cell |
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plasma cells |
develop from b-cells and secrete a large volume of antibodies coded to destroy a specific antigen |
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T cells, T lymphocytes |
these cells play a central role in cell mediated immunity |
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cytokines |
a group of proteins such as interferons and interleukins released primarily by t cells that act as intracellular signals to begin the immune response |
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interferons (IFNs) |
introduced in response to the presence of antigens, particularly viruses or tumor cells; they activate the immune system, fight viruses by slowing or stopping their multiplication, and signal other cells to increase their defense |
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Interleukins |
these cells play multiple roles in the immune system, including directing B and T cells to divide and proliferate |
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tonsils |
three masses of lymphoid tissue that form a protective ring around the back of the nose and the upper throat; play an important role in the immune system by preventing pathogens from entering the respiratory system when breathing through the nose or mouth |
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adenoids |
aka nasopharyngeal tonsils, located in the nasopharynx, which is the upper part of the pharynx |
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palatine tonsils |
tonsils located on the left and right sides of the throat in an area that is visible in the back of the mouth |
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lingual tonsils |
tonsils located at the base of the tongue; not readily visible |
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thymus |
a mass of lymphoid tissue located above the heart, reaches its greatest size at puberty and become smaller with age; part of the endocrine system; secretes a hormone that stimulates the maturation of lymphocytes into t cells |
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vermiform appendix |
commonly referred to as the appendix; located hanging 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 |
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spleen |
a sac-like mass of lymphoid tissue located in the upper quadrant of the abdomen, just inferior to the diaphragm, and posterior to the stomach; filters microorganisms and other foreign material from the blood, forms lymphocytes and monocytes which are specialized leukocytes with important roles in the immune system; hemolytic function of destroying worn-out erythrocytes and releasing their hemoglobin for reuse, and stores extra erythrocytes and maintains the appropriate balance between the cells and the plasma |
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pathogens |
disease producing micro-organisms |
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allergens |
substances that produce allergic reactions |
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toxins |
poisonous or harmful substances |
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malignant cells |
potentially life-threatening cancer cells |
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acid mantle |
covering the skin, making it inhospitable environment for most bacteria |
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respiratory system |
a body system that traps breathed-in foreign material with nose hairs and the moist mucous membrane lining the respiratory system |
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digestive system |
a body system that uses the acids and enzymes produced by the stomach to destroy Invaders that are swallowed or consumed with food |
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antigen-antibody reaction |
also known as the immune reaction, involves binding antigens to antibodies |
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tolerance |
refers to an acquired unresponsiveness to a specific antigen |
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antibody |
a disease-fighting protein created by the immune system in response to the presence of a specific antigen; used interchangeably with immunoglobulin |
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immunoglobulin |
a protein that binds with specific antigens in the antigen-antibody response; has five primary types which are secreted by plasma cells |
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immunoglobulin G (IgG) |
the most abundant class of immunoglobulin, are found in blood serum and lymph; active against bacteria, fungi, viruses, and foreign particles |
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immunoglobulin A (IgA) |
the class of immunoglobulins produced predominantly against ingested agents; are found in body secretions such as saliva, sweat, or tears and function to prevent attachment of viruses and bacteria to the epithelial surfaces that line most organs |
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immunoglobulin M (IgM) |
the class of immunoglobulins that are found in circulating body fluids; are the first antibodies to appear in response to an internal exposure to an antigen |
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immunoglobulin D (IgD) |
the class of immunoglobulins found only on the surface of B cells; important in B cell activation |
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immunoglobulin E (IgE) |
the class of antibodies produced in the lungs, skin, and mucous membranes; are responsible for allergic reactions |
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phagocytes |
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 swallowing them |
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phagocytosis |
the process of destroying pathogens by surrounding and swallowing them |
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monocytes |
leukocytes that provide immunological defense against many infectious organisms; replenish macrophages and dendritic cells |
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dendritic cells |
a specialized leukocyte that patrols the body searching for antigens that produce infections; when infection is located, it swallows it and alerts the B & T cells to act against that specific antigen |
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complement system |
a system of a group of proteins that normally circulate in the blood in an inactive form, but when needed, these cells compliment the ability of antibodies to ward off pathogens by combining with them to dissolve and remove the pathogenic bacteria and other foreign cells |
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immunity |
a state of being resistant to a specific disease; can be present naturally, or acquired |
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natural immunity or passive immunity |
the state of being resistant to a disease present without the administration of an antigen or exposure to a disease; is present at birth and can be augmented with breastmilk |
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acquired immunity |
obtained by having a contagious disease or being vaccinated against a contagious disease |
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vaccine |
a preparation containing an antigen consisting of whole or partial disease-causing organisms which have been killed or weakened |
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allergist |
a person specializing in the diagnosing and treating of conditions of altered immunologic reactivity |
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immunologist |
a person specializing in diagnosing and treating disorders of the immune system |
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lymphologist |
a physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating disorders of the lymphatic system |
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oncologist |
a physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating malignant disorders such as tumors and cancer |
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lymphadenitis |
an inflammation of the lymph nodes |
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lymphadenopathy |
a benign tumor formed by an abnormal collection of lymphatic vessels due to a congenital malformation of the lymphatic system |
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ruptured spleen |
a medical emergency that occurs when the covering of the spleen is torn, usually as a result of a blow to the abdomen |
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splenorrhagia |
an abnormal enlargement of the spleen; can occur due to bleeding caused by an injury, an infectious disease such as mononucleosis, or an abnormal functioning of the immune system |
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lymphoscintigraphy |
a diagnostic test that is performed to detect damage or malformations of the lymphatic vessels; a radioactive substance is injected into the lymph ducts and a scanner or probe is used to follow the movement of the substance on a computer screen |
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secondary lymphedema |
caused by damage to the lymphatic vessels that is most frequently due to cancer treatment, surgery, trauma, or burns |
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lymphedema |
swelling of the tissue due to an abnormal accumulation of lymph fluid within the tissues; caused by damage to the lymphatic system that prevents the lymph from draining properly; because lymph is rich in protein, which is an environment for pathogens to thrive in, this condition is often associated with infections |
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primary lymphedema |
a hereditary condition of the lymphatic system that develops with swelling beginning in the feet and progressing into the ankles and in an upward direction along the legs; occurs most frequently in females when the symptoms begin to appear during puberty |
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bioimpedance spectroscopy |
a non-invasive method of diagnosing lymphedema; it measures the resistance to an electrical current passing through the affected limb |
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effectiveness of the immune system depends on these three things |
general health, age, and heredity |
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allergic reaction |
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 |
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allergy |
hypersensitivity; an overreaction by the body to a particular antigen |
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localized allergic response |
also known as cellular response; includes redness, itching, and burning where the skin comes in contact with an allergen |
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systemic reaction |
also described as anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock; a severe response to an allergen; characterized by bronchial constriction, hypotension, and hives |
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scratch test |
a diagnostic skin tests to identify commonly troublesome allergens |
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allergen-specific immunoglobulin E |
a blood test used to determine whether a person is allergic to a particular substance |
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antihistamines |
medications administered to relieve or prevent symptoms of histamine, a substance produced by the body that causes itching, sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes of an allergic reaction |
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autoimmune disorder |
any of a large group of diseases characterized by a condition in which the immune system produces antibodies against its own tissue, mistaking healthy cells, tissues, or organs for antigens |
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severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) |
an inherited condition in which abnormalities in the immune system cause an increased susceptibility to infection and failure to thrive as a result of infections |
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rheumatoid arthritis |
an autoimmune disorder that affects joints and connective tissue |
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myasthenia gravis |
an immune disorder that affects the nerve and muscle synopses |
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pernicious anemia |
an autoimmune disorder that affects the red blood cells |
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Crohn's disease |
an autoimmune disorder that affects the intestines, ileum, or the colon |
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multiple sclerosis |
an autoimmune disorder that affects the brain and spinal cord |
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scleroderma |
an autoimmune disease that affects the skin and connective tissues |
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Grave's disease |
an autoimmune disorder that affects the thyroid gland |
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human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) |
a blood-borne infection in which the virus damages or kills the T cells of the immune system, causing it to progressively fail, leaving the body at risk for developing many life-threatening opportunistic infections |
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opportunistic infection |
caused by a pathogen that does not normally produce an illness in humans; however, when the host is debilitated, these pathogens are able to cause infection |
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acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) |
the most advanced and fatal stage of an HIV infection |
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Kaposi's sarcoma |
an opportunistic infection that is frequently associated with HIV; a cancer that causes patches of abnormal tissue to grow under the skin, in the lining of the mouth, nose, and throat, or other organs |
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enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) |
a blood test used to screen for the presence of HIV antibodies as well as Lyme disease and other infectious conditions |
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western blot test |
a blood test used to diagnose HIV; produces more accurate results than ELISA |
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immunotherapy |
aka biological therapy; disease treatment that involves either stimulating or suppressing the immune system |
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synthetic immunoglobulins |
aka immune serum; used as a post-exposure preventative measure against certain viruses such as rabies and some types of hepatitis. |
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synthetic interferon |
a preparation used in treatment of multiple sclerosis, hepatitis C, and some cancers |
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monoclonal antibodies |
any class of antibodies produced in a laboratory by identical offspring of a clone of specific cells; used to enhance a patient's immune system response to certain malignancies |
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immunosuppressant |
a treatment to suppress or interfere with the ability of the immune system to respond to stimulation by antigens; used to prevent rejection of donor tissue and to depress autoimmune disorders |
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corticosteroids |
a hormone-like preparation administered primarily as an anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant |
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cytotoxin drug |
a medication that damages or kills cells |
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bacteria |
a one-celled microscopic organism; most are not harmful to humans, some can be pathogenic |
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bacilli |
rod-shaped, spore-forming bacteria |
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anthrax |
a contagious disease that can be transmitted through livestock, also used in biological attacks |
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rickettsia |
a small bacterium that lives in lice, fleas, ticks, and mites; transmitted via bites; for example, tick bites can cause Rocky Mountain spotted fever |
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spirochetes |
long, slender, spiral-shaped bacteria that have flexible walls and are capable of movement |
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Lyme disease |
transmitted to humans by the bite of a tick that has had contact with a deer infected with spirochete; symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, and a characteristic skin rash; can spread to the joints, heart, and nervous system |
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staphylococci |
a group of about thirty bacteria that can form irregular groups or clusters resembling grapes |
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strepylococcus aureus |
bacteria that form a chain; many species are harmless; however, other members of this group are responsible for serious illnesses such as strep throat, meningitis, endocarditis, and necrotizing fasciitis |
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antibiotic-resistant bacteria |
a phenomenon that occurs when antibiotics fail to kill the bacteria they target and the remaining bacteria develop a resistance |
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methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MIRSA) |
one of several types of bacteria that are known to be resistant to most antibiotics; looks like small, red bumps with a black top |
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tinea pedis |
commonly known as athlete's foot; is a fungal infection that develops between the toes |
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yeast |
a type of fungus which can cause an infection known as candidiasis; occurs on the skin or mucous membranes in warm, moist areas such as the vagina or mouth and are caused by the pathogenic yeast Candida albicans |
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parasite |
a plant or animal that lives on or within another living organism at the expense of that organism |
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malaria |
caused by a parasite that lives in certain mosquitoes and is transferred to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito; symptoms typically develop one to four weeks after being infected and include fever, shaking, chills, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue |
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toxoplasmosis |
a parasite that is most commonly transmitted from pets to humans by contact with contaminated animal feces; causes diseases in developing fetuses such as microcephalus and hydrocephalus |
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Ebola |
a rare and generally fatal disease transmitted by contact with any body fluids infected with the virus; early symptoms, which usually appear within 21 days of exposure, include high fever, vomiting, and diarrhea; late symptoms include massive internal bleeding and organ failure |
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influenza |
commonly known as the flu, is a highly contagious viral respiratory infection that usually occurs in seasonal epidemics; symptoms include fever, sore throat, muscle aches, cough, runny nose, and fatigue; complications can include pneumonia |
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measles |
a highly contagious infection that is transmitted by respiratory droplets; of the rubeola virus; symptoms include a red, itchy rash over the entire body, high fever, runny nose, and coughing; serious complications can include photophobia |
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mumps |
an acute viral infection that is characterized by the swelling of the parotid glands; can also cause painful swelling of the ovaries or testicles |
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rubella |
also known as German measles or three-day measles;a viral infection characterized by low grade fever, swelling of the glands, inflamed eyes, and a fine, pink rash; can cause serious defects in developing fetuses |
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rabies |
an acute viral infection that is transmitted to humans through the bite or saliva of an infected animal; almost always fatal |
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West Nile virus |
a virus spread to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito; causes flu-like symptoms; a more severe variety of affects the spinal cord and brain |
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cytomegalovirus |
found in most body fluids; most often present as a silent infection and can become a serious illness when the individual has a weakened immune system or when transmitted from mother to fetus; can cause serious congenital disabilities |
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varicella zoster |
also known as chickenpox; highly contagious and characterized by fever and a rash consisting of hundreds of itchy, fluid-filled blisters that burst and form crust |
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herpes zoster |
commonly known as shingles; an acute viral infection characterized by painful skin eruptions that follow the underlying root of an inflamed nerve |
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postherpetic neuralgia |
a complication that may follow herpes zoster if nerve fibers have been damaged during the outbreak; resulting pain can be severe and persistent |
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infectious mononucleosis |
caused by the Epstein-Barr virus; this condition is characterized by fever, a sore throat, and enlarged lymph nodes; swelling of the spleen or liver can develop |
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bactericide |
a substance that causes the death of bacteria; this group of antibiotics includes penicillins and cephalosporins |
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antiviral |
used to treat viral infections or to provide temporary immunity |
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oncology |
the study of the prevention, causes, and treatments of tumors and cancer |
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tumor |
also known as neoplasm; an abnormal growth of body tissue; occurs when cells multiply uncontrolled, abnormally, rapidly, and progressively |
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benign tumor |
a tumor that is not a form of cancer and is not life-threatening |
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malignant tumor |
a form of cancer; capable of spreading to distant body sites, including to other body systems, and is potentially life-threatening |
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myoma |
an example of a benign tumor derived from muscle tissue |
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myosarcoma |
an example of a malignant tumor derived from muscle tissue |
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angiogenesis |
the process through which a tumor supports its growth by creating its own blood supply |
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antiangiogenesis |
a form of treatment that disrupts the blood supply to a tumor |
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cancer |
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 into adjacent cells or by spreading into distant sites by metastasizing |
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metastasis |
means to spread from one place to another, often through the circulatory are lymphatic system |
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carcinoma |
a malignant tumor that occurs in epithelial tissue |
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carcinoma in situ (CIS) |
a malignant tumor in its original position that has not yet disturbed or invaded the surrounding tissue |
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adenocarcinoma |
any one of a large group of carcinomas derived from glandular tissue |
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sarcoma |
a malignant tumor that arises from connective tissue, including hard, soft, and liquid connective tissue |
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hard-tissue sarcomas |
a malignant tumor that arises from bone or cartilage |
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soft-tissue sarcomas |
a tumor of the muscle, fat, fibrous tissue, blood and lymphatic vessels, or other supporting tissue, including synovial tissue that lines the cavities of joints |
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liquid-tissue sarcoma |
cancer that arises from blood and lymph; for example leukemia is a cancer of the white blood forming cells in the bone marrow |
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staging tumors |
the process of classifying tumors by how far the disease has progressed, the potential for it's responding to therapy, and the patient's prognosis |
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lymphoma |
a general term applied to malignancies affecting lymphoid tissue |
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Hodgkin's lymphoma |
a cancer of the immune system in which it is diminished by the presence of large, cancerous lymphocytes known as Reed-Sternberg cells |
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non-Hodgkin's lymphoma |
the more common type of lymphomas, refers to lymphomas other than Hodgkin's lymphoma; originates in the lymphocytes |
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breast cancer |
carcinoma that develops from the cells of the breast and can spread to adjacent lymph nodes and other body sites; the majority are ER- positive, which means that they grow in response to the hormone estrogen |
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ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) |
breast cancer at its earliest stage before the cancer has broken through the wall of the milk ducts |
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infiltrating ductal carcinoma (IDC) |
a cancer of the breast that starts in the milk duct and invades the fatty tissue outside the duct |
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inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) |
a rare but aggressive form of cancer in which the cancer cells block the lymphatic vessels in the skin of the breast |
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stage 0 breast cancer |
a stage of cancer in which cells are found only in one location |
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stage I breast cancer |
a stage of breast cancer when cells have moved beyond the duct but have not yet reached the outside of the breast |
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stage III breast cancer |
stage of breast cancer in which the cancer has spread to the cervical lymph nodes and/or the tissue surrounding the breast, such as the chest wall |
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stage IV breast cancer |
breast cancer stage meaning that it has spread to other organs, most commonly the brain, lungs, liver, or bones |
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molecular breast imaging (MBI) |
a nuclear medicine technique using gamma radiation to detect potential tumors in particularly dense breast tissue |
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sentinel node biopsy |
a biopsy to detect breast cancer 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 |
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antineoplastic |
a medication used for the treatment of cancer that blocks the development, growth, or proliferation of malignant tumors |
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brachytherapy |
the use of radioactive materials in contact with or implanted into the tissues to be treated for cancer |
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teletherapy |
a treatment for cancer that is radiation therapy administered at a distance from the body |
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tomatherapy |
a treatment for cancer that is the combination of tomography with radiation therapy to precisely target the tumor being treated |
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targeted therapy |
a treatment for cancer that uses drugs or other substances to identify and attack specifc cancer cells avoiding healthy cells |
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A, Ab |
an abbreviation for antibody |
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AG, Ag |
an abbreviation for antigen |
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CA, Ca |
an abbreviation for cancer |
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HZ |
an abbreviation for herpes zoster |
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HL |
an abbreviation for Hodgkin's lymphoma |
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IG |
an abbreviation for immunoglobulin |
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LE |
an abbreviation for lymphedema |
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MMR |
an abbreviation for measles, mumps, and rubella vaccination |
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MET |
an abbreviation for metastasis |
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met |
an abbreviation for metastasize |
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NHL |
an abbreviation for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma |
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VZZ |
an abbreviation for varicella |