Acquired Immunity
Formation of antibodies and lymphocytes after exposure to an antigen
Adenoids
Masses of lymph tissue in the nasopharynx
Antibody
Protein produced by lymphocytes that destroy antigens
Axillary Node
One of 20 or 30 lymph nodes in the armpit
B Cell
Lymphocyte that originates in the bone marrow and transforms into a plasma cell to secrete antibodies. The B refers to the bursa of Fabricus, an organ in birds in which B-cell differentiation and growth were first noted to occur
Cell-Mediated Immunity
An immune response involving T-cell lymphocytes; antigens are destroyed by direct action of cells, as opposed to antibodies
Cervical Node
One of many lymph nodes in the neck region
Cytokine
Protein that aids cells to destroy antigens. Ex. Interferons, interleukins, and colony stimulating factors
Cytotoxic Cell
T-cell lymphocyte that directly kills foreign cells; also called T 8 cell.
Dendritic Cell
An important cell of the immune system that specializes in recognizing and digesting foreign antigens. The antigen is then presented on the surface of the dendritic cell, which stimulates B & T cell response that destroys the antigen.
Helper T Cell
Lymphocyte that aids B cell in recognizing antigens and stimulating antibody production; called T4 cells
Humeral Immunity
Immune response in which B cells transform into plasma cells and secrete antibodies
Immune Response
The body's capacity to resist all types of organisms and toxins that can damage tissue and organs; immunity
Immunoglobulins
Antibodies (gamma globulins) such as IgA, IgE, IgG, IgD that are secreted by plasma cells in humoral immunity
Immunotherapy
Use of immunologic knowledge and techniques to treat disease. Ex. Vaccines, dendritic cells, monoclonal antibodies, and donor lymphocyte infusions
Inguinal Node
One of several lymph nodes in the groin region
Interferons
Antiviral proteins(cytokines) secreted by T cells; they also stimulate macrophages to ingest bacteria
Interleukins
Proteins (cytokines) that stimulate the growth of B or T cell lymphocytes and activate specific components of the immune response
Interstitial Fluid
Fluid in the spaces between cells. This fluid becomes lymph when it enters lymph capillaries
Lymph
Thin, watery fluid found within lymphatic vessels and collected from tissues throughout the body . Latin, lympha means water
Lymph Capillaries
Tiniest lymphatic vessels
Lymphoid Organs
Lymph nodes, spleen, and thymus gland
Lymph Node
Stationary lymph tissue along lymph vessels
Lymph Vessel
Carrier of lymph throughout the body; lymph vessels empty lymph into veins in the upper part of the chest
Macrophage
Large phagocyte found in lymph nodes and other tissues of the body
Mediastinal Node
One of many lymph nodes in the area between the lungs in the thoracic cavity
Monoclonal Antibody
An antibody produced in the lab to attack antigens. It is useful in immunotherapy and cancer treatment
Natural Killer (NK) cell
Lymphocyte that recognizes and destroys foreign cells (viruses and tumor cells) by releasing cytotoxins
Plasma Cell
Lymphoid cell that secretes an antibody and originates from B cell lymphocytes
Right Lymphatic Duct
Large lymph vessel in the chest that receives lymph from the upper right part of the body
Spleen
Organ near the stomach that produces, stores, and eliminates blood cells
Suppressor T cell
Lymphocyte that inhibits the activity of B and T cell lymphocytes
T Cell
Lymphocyte formed in the thymus gland; it acts directly on antigens to destroy them or produce chemicals such as interferons and interleukins that are toxic to antigens
Thoracic Duct
Large lymph vessel in the chest that receives lymph from below the diaphragm and from the left side of the body above the diaphragm; it empties the lymph into veins in the upper chest
Thymus Gland
Organ in the mediastinum that produces T cell lymphocytes and aids in the immune response
Tonsils
Masses of lymph tissue in the back of the oropharynx
Vaccination
Introduction of altered antigens (viruses or bacteria) to produce an immune response and protection against disease
Vaccine
Weakened microorganisms administered to induce immunity or disease
Candidiasis
Yeast-like fungus (candida) normally present in the mouth, skin, intestinal tract and vagina
Cryptococcus (crypto)
Yeast-like fungus (cryptococcus) causes lung, brain, and blood infections. Pathogen is found in pigeon droppings, nesting places, air, water, soil
Cytomegalovirus
Virus causes enteritis and retinitis (inflammation of the retina at the back of the eye). Found in saliva, semen, cervical secretions, urine, feces, blood, and breast milk, but only causes disease when the immune system has been compromised
Histoplasmosis (histo)
Fungal infection caused by inhalation of dust contaminated with histoplasma capsulatum: causes fever, chills, and lung infection. Pathogen is found in bird and bat droppings
Mycobacterium Avium-intracellulare (mai)
Bacterial disease with fever, night sweats, anorexia, diarrhea, lung and blood infections.
Pneumocytis Carinii pneumonia (PCP)
One-celled organism causes lung infection, fever cough, and chest pain. Pathogen is found in air, water, and soil, and is carried by animals
Toxoplasmosis (toxo)
Parasitic infection involving the CNS and causing fever, chills, visual disturbances, confusion, hemiparesis, and seizures. Pathogen is acquired by eating uncooked lamb or pork, unpasteurized dairy products, raw eggs or vegetables
Tuberculosis (TB)
Bacterial disease (mycobacterium tuberculosis) involving the lungs. Symptoms are fever, loss of weight, anorexia, and low energy
Allergy
Abnormal hypersensitivity acquired by exposure to an antigen
Lymphoma
Malignant tumor of lymph nodes and lymph tissue
Multiple Myeloma
Malignant tumor of bone marrow cells
Thymoma
Malignant tumor of the thymus gland
ELISA test
Test to detect anti-HIV antibodies. Western blot is a confirmatory test that detects antibodies to HIV antigens of specific molecular weights. ELISA is an abbrev. for Enzyme-linked-immunosorbent-assay
Immunoelectrophoresis
Test that separates immunoglobulins (IgG, IgM, IgE, IgA, IgD)
T8
T-cell lymphocyte killer cell
T4
T-cell lymphocyte that is destroyed by the AIDS virus; helper T cells
B Cells
Transform into plasma cells and secrete antibodies called immunoglobulins
T Cells (cell-mediated immunity)
1. attach to antigens and directly destroy them (cytotoxic cells).
2. secrete proteins (interferons and interleukins) that help other cells respond to antigens.
3. act as helper cells to promote antibody synthesis by B cells and stimulate T cells.
4. act
Types of immunity
Natural Immunity - genetic predisposition
macrophages,
phagocytosis,*natural killer cells (NK)
Plasma cells produce
immunoglobulins, such as IgA, IgG, IgE, IgD, IgM
Immunoglobulins travel to the site of an infection to react with and neutralize antigens. IgG, most abundant, crosses the placenta to provide immunity for newborns. IgE important in causing allergic reactio