Term
| DALY (disability adjusted life year) |
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Definition
| a summary measure of not only the total number of lives lost but also an estimate of the time and extent of disability caused as well |
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Term
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Definition
| the identification and classification of a disease |
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Term
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Definition
| any disruption of vital function of an organism caused by genetic, environmental, or developmental factors |
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Term
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Definition
| the cause(s) of a disease |
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Term
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Definition
| a state of complete physical, mental and social well being; not merely the absence of disease |
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Term
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Definition
| cause inadvertently by medical treatment |
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Term
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Definition
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Term
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Definition
| the state of being in an unhealthy condition |
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Term
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Definition
| the rate of occurence of new cases of a disease in a population over time |
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Term
| natural history of disease |
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Definition
| the incidence, etiology, and pathogenesis of a disease |
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Term
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Definition
| the process(es) by which a disease occurs and progresses |
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Term
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Definition
| the most likely course and outcome of a disease |
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Term
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Definition
| objectively observable findings caused by a disease |
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Term
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Definition
| subjective elements of a disease experienced by the patient |
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Term
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Definition
| lowered pH of tissues caused as cells accumulate lactic acid when oxygen is not available for respiration, inducing fatigue, decreased ability to function, and ultimately death |
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Term
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Definition
| a protein found in cell filaments that mediates muscle contraction, cell movement, and maintains cell shape |
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Term
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Definition
| movement of substances across the plasma membrane against a concentration or electrical gradient by consuming energy (ATP) |
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Term
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Definition
| process by which food, in the absence of oxygen, is broken down outside the mitochondria into 3 carbon fragments. This less efficient ATP-producing process produces lactic acid which accumulates in cells causing acidosis |
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Term
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Definition
| an energy storing molecule produced by mitochondria |
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Term
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Definition
| processes or substances produced by cells that act back on the cells themselves |
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Term
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Definition
| that portion of the extracellular matrix that binds epithelial tissue to supporting connective tissues |
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Term
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Definition
| the complete sequence of events that occur from one cell division to the next |
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Term
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Definition
| modified points of contact on the plasma membranes of cells that serve specialized functions |
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Term
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Definition
| the process of cell-to-cell communication mediated by signaling molecules and membrane receptors |
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Term
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Definition
| the processes by which cells transfer oxygen from food thereby producing water, carbon dioxide, and ATP that stored as an energy source |
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Term
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Definition
| decreased facilitated transport of substances that results from selective binding of transport receptors by other substances |
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Term
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Definition
| specialized tissue that holds skin and organs together and in place |
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Term
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Definition
| regulatory proteins produced by cells, principally cells of the immune system, that activate other cells to replicate and/or perform other functions |
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Term
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Definition
| division of the cytoplasm into two daughter cells during mitosis |
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Term
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Definition
| the organized complex of organic and inorganic intracellular substances inside the plasma membrane and external to the nucleus that includes the cell fluid or cytosol and organelles |
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Term
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Definition
| the network of protein filaments and microtubules in the cytoplasm that controls cell shape, maintains intracellular organization, and is involved in cell movement |
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Term
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Definition
| neutralization of the resting membrane potential caused by an influx of sodium ions into the cell associated with the propagation of electrical signals from cell-to-cell |
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Term
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Definition
| cell junctions that bind cells and their cytoskeletons together to brace tissues and give the body form |
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Term
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Definition
| processes by which cells internalize external substances by engulfing them and moving them into their cytoplasm in vesicles |
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Term
| endoplasmic reticulum (ER) |
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Definition
| a complex web of cytoplasmic membranes for transporting substances between the nucleus, other organelles, and the plasma membrane |
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Term
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Definition
| tissue that covers the internal and external surfaces of the body, enclosing it and regulating the movement of external substances in and out |
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Term
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Definition
| higher animals and plants with cells that have a nucleus as well as other membrane-bound intracellular compartments |
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Term
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Definition
| process by which cells expel substances out of the cytoplasm into their surroundings by fusing vesicles with the plasma membrane |
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Term
| extracellular matrix (ECM) |
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Definition
| a complex mixture of non-living material including proteins and carbohydrates that surround living cells and tissues providing protection and support |
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Term
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Definition
| passive mediated transport |
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Term
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Definition
| connective tissue cells that produce fibrous components of extracellular matrix like collagen and elastin |
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Term
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Definition
| The first "gap" phase of the cell cycle where there is no replication occurring. Terminally differentiated cells such as nerve cells permanently exist in this phase. |
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Term
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Definition
| The second "gap" phase of the cell cycle that follows DNA synthesis when RNA and proteins are produced preceding M or mitosis |
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Term
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Definition
| cell junctions that allow ions and other small molecules to flow between cells mediating processes such as cell-to-cell depolarization |
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Term
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Definition
| on organelle composed of layers of membranes and vesicles that modifies the structure of proteins |
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Term
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Definition
| water soluble proteins that complex with and stabilize DNA |
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Term
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Definition
| molecules either produced by cells or chemically synthesized that circulate in the blood stream and alter replication and/or function of distant cells through cell signaling |
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Term
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Definition
| glycoproteins that span across cell membranes and anchor tissue to the extracellular matrix |
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Term
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Definition
| all other stages of the cell cycle other than M or mitosis |
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Term
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Definition
| specialized vesicles containing enzymes that digest substances |
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Term
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Definition
| the phase during the cell cycle when mitosis occurs, usually lasting approximately one hour |
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Term
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Definition
| movement of substances across the plasma membrane either actively or passively that is mediated exclusively by protein transport receptors |
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Term
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Definition
| transfer of any disease causing agent from one part of the body to another associated with the development of the same pathologic changes in the new location |
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Term
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Definition
| the organelle containing respiratory enzymes that conduct cellular respiration by a process called oxidative phosphorylation |
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Term
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Definition
| nuclear and chromosomal splitting during cell division that results in the formation of two daughter cells with essentially the same genetic complement as the parent cell |
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Term
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Definition
| specialized nerve cells that cause contraction of adjacent muscle cells during depolarization |
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Term
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Definition
| specialized tissue that provides movement necessary for body function |
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Term
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Definition
| a globular muscle protein that can consume ATP and reversibly interact with actin to cause cellular contraction by forming a complex called actomyosin |
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Term
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Definition
| specialized tissue that transmits electrical signals throughout the body |
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Term
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Definition
| hormones produced by specialized nerve cells |
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Term
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Definition
| chemicals released by depolarized nerve cells into synapses that induce depolarization of cells downstream |
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Term
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Definition
| the spherical body within the nucleus that mediates protein synthesis |
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Term
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Definition
| the largest organelle in eukaryotes containing chromosomes and the nucleolus that directs cell division, cell function, and protein synthesis |
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Term
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Definition
| groups of organs that work together to perform a specific body function such as digestion, excretion, circulation, reproducation, etc. |
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Term
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Definition
| any cytoplasmic compartment surrounded by an internal membrane that performs a specific life function such as protein syntheses, oxidative phosphorylation, digestion of foreign particles, etc. |
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Term
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Definition
| aggregates of tissues that perform a particular body function such as digestion, hormone production, excretion, circulation, etc. |
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Term
| oxidative phosphorylation |
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Definition
| a complex chemical process that occurs on the surface of mitochondria converting food substrates into simpler molecules and storing energy in the form of ATP |
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Term
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Definition
| processes or substances produced by cells that act on adjacent cells |
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Term
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Definition
| movement of small, non-charged, lipid-soluble substances across the plasma membrane using physical forces without energy consumption |
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Term
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Definition
| a specialized form of endocytosis usually performed by white blood cells used to remove and digest foreign materials such as bacteria and tissue debris |
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Term
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Definition
| the semipermiable layer around cells, composed of inner and outer surfaces of protein surrounding a third layer of lipid that is usually covered with indentations and projections |
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Term
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Definition
| organisms such as bacteria and some algae that have cells lacking a nucleus |
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Term
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Definition
| specialized protein structures on plasma or nuclear membranes that bind signaling molecules and mediate cell signaling |
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Term
| resting membrane potential |
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Definition
| the difference in electrical charge between the inside and outside of cells, a negative internal charge relative to the outside |
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Term
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Definition
| aggregates of RNA that coat some of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and regulate protein synthesis |
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Term
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Definition
| the period during the cell cycle when DNA replication occurs |
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Term
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Definition
| molecules that bind to protein receptors on cellular membranes triggering intracellular reactions that activate genes that alter cellular growth or function |
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Term
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Definition
| spaces between nerve cells lying close together where the deplorization of one nerve cell causes release of neurotransmitters into the space that trigger depolarization of the adjacent nerve cell |
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Term
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Definition
| cell junctions that seal cells together as tissues |
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Term
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Definition
| aggregates of cells that form structures that perform specialized function such as movement, transmission of electrical signals, body structure, etc. |
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Term
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Definition
| larger, specialized vesicles formed within the cytoplasm to digest materials taken in by phagocytosis |
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Term
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Definition
| a membrane bound pouch in cells that contains substances |
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Term
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Definition
| mutations in non-reproductive cells of the body that persist and are transferred during mitosis to daughter cells affecting only those daughter cells |
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Term
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Definition
| alternative forms of a gene that may be present at a locus |
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Term
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Definition
| a procedure that harvests cells that have peeled off of the skin of a developing fetus and are floating in amniotic fluid in order to perform genetic testing |
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Term
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Definition
| a cell with too many or too few copies of each chromosome resulting in a non diploid complement |
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Term
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Definition
| programmed cell death, a natural process that the body uses to dispose of old, damaged or unwanted cells |
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Term
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Definition
| any of the 22 non sex chromosomes in the karyotype |
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Term
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Definition
| the collection, organization and analysis of large amounts of biological data, such as gene sequences and the proteins the produce, using networks of computers and databases. A bioinformatics system consists of an internal database, links to external public databases, and software containing algorithms for access, analysis, intergration, manipulation, and visualization of the data in a variety of ways |
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Term
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Definition
| individuals with a normal phenotype who carry a dominant normal and an abnormal recessive gene at a particular locus and could therefore potentially produce normal or abnormal offspring |
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Term
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Definition
| a procedure that harvests embryonic cells from the placental tissue of a developing pregnancy in order to perform genetic testing |
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Term
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Definition
| equal phenotypic expression by heterozygous genes at a particular locus |
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Term
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Definition
| triplets of adjacent nucleotides that code for one of the 20 amino acids |
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Term
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Definition
| the sub-discipline of bioinformatics that deals with analyzing nucleotide sequences in DNA |
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Term
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Definition
| genetically related individuals who parent offspring together |
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Term
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Definition
| the study of the chromosomal composition of cells |
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Term
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Definition
| containing two complete sets of 23 pairs of chromosomes |
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Term
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Definition
| the double nucleotide coil of desoxyribose polynucleotide that forms the genome |
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Term
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Definition
| genes whose traits are always expressed if they are inherited |
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Term
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Definition
| the structural portion of DNA consisting of genes that code for amino acid sequences that form proteins |
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Term
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Definition
| abnormal proliferation of nucleotides flanking genes on the X chronosome that produce mental handicap and muscle weakness |
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Term
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Definition
| the basic unit of heredity, the sequence of DNA that encodes all the information to make a protein |
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Term
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Definition
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Term
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Definition
| the trait that is exhibited by genes inherited at a particular locus |
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Term
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Definition
| databases of the locations and functions of the genes of specific organisms that are published on the Internet |
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Term
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Definition
| genes whose locus and phenotype are known |
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Term
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Definition
| a disruption in the correct sequence of genetic base pairs that may be transferred to daughter cells during mitosis or meiosis |
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Term
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Definition
| the haploid set of an organism's chromosomes including all of their genes |
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Term
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Definition
| the process of sequencing sets of genes and/or the entire genome of organisms using techniques of genetics and molecular biology to organize and apply the information |
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Term
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Definition
| the specific gene or gene sequence that determines a specific trait or group of traits exhibited by a cell or organism |
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Term
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Definition
| mutations in gametes that persist and are transferred during meiosis to zygotes therefore affecting all daughter cells |
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Term
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Definition
| containing one of each pair of 23 chromosomes |
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Term
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Definition
| the single set of genes that males acquire from their mother's X chromosome |
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Term
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Definition
| having different alleles at the two chromosomal loci of a gene site |
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Term
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Definition
| water soluble proteins that complex with and stabilize DNA |
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Term
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Definition
| having the same allele at both chromosomal loci of a gene site |
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Term
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Definition
| the fifteen year-long international collaborative research project that has determined the nucleotide sequence of the entire human genome |
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Term
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Definition
| non-coding DNA that separates exons on the genome |
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Term
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Definition
| the chromosomal complement of normal human cells consisting of 22 pairs of autosomes or non sex chromosomes and one pair of sex chromosomes, XX for females and XY for males, totaling 46 chromosomes |
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Term
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Definition
| the qualitative process of creating linkage maps |
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Term
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Definition
| maps of the relative position of genes to one another based on how frequently genes or gene markers segregate together |
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Term
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Definition
| the linear position of each gene on each chromosome |
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Term
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Definition
| the cell division process that occurs in reproductive tissue producing haploid reproductive cells called gametes |
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Term
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Definition
| two dimensional spatially-oriented sets of DNA, genes, gene fragments, or proteins from genes mounted on a solid substance |
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Term
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Definition
| nuclear and chromosomal splitting during cell division that results in the formation of two daughter cells with essentially the same genetic complement as the parent cell |
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Term
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Definition
| 45 chromosome aneuploidy with a single chromosome of one pair |
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Term
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Definition
| the complementary nucleotide sequence copied from genetic DNA that codes for the amino acid sequence of proteins |
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Term
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Definition
| substances and energy sources that cause genetic mutations |
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Term
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Definition
| failure of chromosomes to separate and move into different cells resulting in aneuploidy in daughter cells |
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Term
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Definition
| DNA subunits consisting of a deoxyribose sugar, a phosphate group and either a purine or pyrimidine base group |
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Term
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Definition
| short nucleotide sequences that are used in PCR and as complementary genetic probes to identify specific gene sequences |
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Term
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Definition
| a chart that illustrates the phenotypes of families for traits of interest permitting analysis of the mode of genetic inheritance |
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Term
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Definition
| the study of how genetic variations among populations affect drug response |
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Term
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Definition
| the observed physical or functional condition of a cell or organism as a consequence of its genotype |
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Term
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Definition
| more precise maps of the sequence of exons on DNA |
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Term
| polymerase chain reaction (PCR) |
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Definition
| the process by which minute quantities of DNA are copied and amplified ten thousand- to ten million-fold while preserving their original nucleotide sequence |
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Term
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Definition
| the property of having multiple alternative genetic sequences at a particular position |
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Term
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Definition
| any aneuploidy in which there are more than two copies of every chromosome in a cell |
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Term
| principle of independent assortment |
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Definition
| each trait is inherited by offspring from their parents independently of other traits |
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Term
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Definition
| the traits of offspring do not mix and are inherited from both parents, each contributing an equal quantity of genetic material |
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Term
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Definition
| gene sites that, when activated by the binding of regulator proteins, initiate transcription of specific mRNA sequences |
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Term
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Definition
| chains of amino acids whose type and order are determined by the genetic code in the cellular DNA forming structural elements and regulators of cell growth and function |
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Term
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Definition
| the collection of all exons or protein coding genes in the genome of a cell |
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Term
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Definition
| genes whose traits are only expressed if the locus for that trait is homozygous for the recessive gene |
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Term
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Definition
| The study of genetically directed protein expression under defined conditions |
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Term
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Definition
| genes that produce protein products that bind to another gene locus inhibiting or activating gene expression at that locus |
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Term
| restriction endonucleases |
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Definition
| enzymes that recognize specific sequences of nucleotides and cleave strands of DNA into fragments wherever those sequences occur |
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Term
| restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) |
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Definition
| any genetic polymorphism flanked by potential sites of cleavage by restriction endonucleases that contains a target sequence of genetic material of interest in between |
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Term
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Definition
| single nucleotide sequences of ribose nucleotide that mediate protein synthesis |
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Term
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Definition
| genetic inheritance on sex (X or Y) chromosomes |
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Term
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Definition
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Term
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Definition
| one of a family of enzymes that amplify DNA when heated |
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Term
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Definition
| 92 chromosome aneuploidy with four chromosomes instead of a pair of each of the 23 chromosomes |
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Term
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Definition
| the process of copying genes from DNA into complementary sequences of RNA called messenger or mRNA during protein synthesis |
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Term
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Definition
| protein synthesis that occurs when tRNA, mRNA, and ribosomes interact to produce amino acid sequences |
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Term
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Definition
| 69 chromosome aneuploidy with three chromosomes instead of a pair of each of the 23 chromosomes |
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Term
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Definition
| 47 chromosome aneuploidy with three chromosomes instead of two of any one of the 23 chromosomal pairs |
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Term
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Definition
| single stranded RNA with a complementary codon on one end and a binding site for the corresponding amino acid on the other end that align amino acids during translation |
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Term
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Definition
| immune processes that develop after birth |
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Term
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Definition
| exposing susceptible individuals to antigens associated with an infectious disease process that do not cause the disease but rather induce an immune response that protects against subsequent infection |
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Term
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Definition
| soluble reactive immunoglobulins that circulate in the bloodstream |
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Term
| antibody-dependent cell cytotoxicity |
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Definition
| a hypersensitivity reaction mediated by a sub-population of B-lymphocytes resulting in antigen-specific cell destruction |
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Term
| antigen processing cells (APC's) |
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Definition
| phagocytic white blood cells that non-specifically engulf foreign substances and then process and present them to lymphocytes |
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Term
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Definition
| a portion of an antigen capable of eliciting an immune response |
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Term
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Definition
| agents that specifically bind to the immune system but may or may not elicit an immune response |
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Term
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Definition
| antibody-producing white blood cells that develop in the bone marrow and mediate humoral immunity |
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Term
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Definition
| highly vascular connective tissue in the cavities of most bones that is the site where red and white blood cells develop from precursor cells called stem cells |
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Term
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Definition
| large molecules like proteins that complex with haptens making them immunogenic |
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Term
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Definition
| cytokine production or cell destruction mediated by T-lymphocytes that is activated when antigen presenting cells (APC's) present processed antigen to the T-lymphocyte receptor(s) |
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Term
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Definition
| attraction of immune cells to a specific location by a chemical signal |
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Term
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Definition
| the subgroup of an immunoglobulin determined by its heavy chain(s) that also defines type of cell receptor(s) that is (are) bound |
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Term
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Definition
| theory proposing that diverse populations of lymphocytes capable of reacting to all foreign antigens coupled with selective elimination of clones of immune cells that react to "self" antigens results in a diverse and adaptive system of immunologic defense |
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Term
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Definition
| a family of biologically-active proteins associated with non-specific immune responses that mediate cell destruction and elements of the immune response |
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Term
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Definition
| the sequences of amino acids on the H and L chains of immunoglobulin molecules that are the same among different antibodies; the constant region of the H chains forms the cell receptor binding portion of an immunoglobulin molecule |
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Term
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Definition
| low molecular weight, soluble, antigen-nonspecific glycoproteins produced by a variety of cells that stimulate proliferation, differentiation, and activation of cells of the immune system |
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Term
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Definition
| foreign antigens that are processed by and then expressed on the surface of cells that have been invaded by intracellular pathogens such as viruses |
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Term
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Definition
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Term
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Definition
| antigens on the surface of foreign cells such as bacteria that are engulfed by APC's, processed, and then presented to helper T cells resulting in the production of cytokines |
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Term
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Definition
| the class of immunoglobulins consisting of a single Ig subunit with gamma heavy chains that is the predominant antibody in the circulation and mediates anamnestic immune reactions, ADCC, complement-mediated cell destruction, and opsonization |
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Term
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Definition
| heavy polypeptide chains of antibodies that pair with L chains to form a functional immunoglobulin molecule. The constant end binds to an isotype-specific receptor site of T cells at one end and the variable end on the opposite pole of the immunoglobulin molecule pairs with L chains and binds specifically to antigen on target cells |
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Term
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Definition
| non-immunogenic, low molecular weight substances that bind to antibodies and T-lymphocyte receptors |
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Term
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Definition
| a subpopulation of T lymphocytes that produce cytokines in response to presentation of antigen(s) by APC's |
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Term
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Definition
| immune response that occurs in body fluids involving antibodies and the B-lymphocytes that produce them |
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Term
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Definition
| mechanisms used by the body to protect itself from foreign environmental agents such as infectious organisms, toxins, chemicals, and components or products of other living things |
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Term
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Definition
| the induction of immunity against a specific infectious disease |
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Term
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Definition
| agents that contact the immune system eliciting an immune response |
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Term
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Definition
| a one or two subunit immunoglobulin that respectively circulates in the blood stream or is present in epithelial cell secretions that agglutinates foreign proteins and cells along mucous membranes |
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Term
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Definition
| a one immunoglobulin subunit molecule that defines the antigenic specificity and is a major surface marker on B-lymphocytes |
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Term
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Definition
| a single subunit immunoglobulin present in the smallest quantities and with the shortest half life that binds to mast cells and basophils to mediate a variety of hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis |
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Term
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Definition
| globular proteins that circulate in body fluids and specifically bind to antigens and immunogens |
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Term
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Definition
| the body's response to tissue invasion and/or damage |
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Term
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Definition
| immune processes present at birth |
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Term
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Definition
| an enzyme produced by retroviruses, including HIV, that catalyzes the insertion into the host cell genome of viral DNA that has been transcribed by reverse transcriptase from viral RNA |
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Term
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Definition
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Term
| isotype (class) switching |
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Definition
| alteration in the class of antigen-specific antibody produced by a B-lymphocyte mediated by both antigen stimulation and cytokines |
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Term
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Definition
| a subclass of T-lymphocytes that, when activated by endogenous antigens, destroys cells that express those antigens |
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Term
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Definition
| light polypeptide chains of antibodies that pair with H chains to form the pole of a functional immunoglobulin molecule that specifically binds to antigens and immunogens |
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Term
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Definition
| tissue composed of cells of the immune system along lymphatic channels that connect to the blood stream where both mature B- and T-lymphocytes destroy foreign substances and infectious agents |
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Term
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Definition
| sites where cells of the immune system develop and function |
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Term
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Definition
| cytokines that are exclusively produced by lymphocytes |
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Term
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Definition
| the first class of antibody produced during immune response composed of five immunoglobulin subunits, each with a mu heavy chain, bound together in a pentameric ring |
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Term
| major histocompatibility complex (MHC) |
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Definition
| a group of tightly-linked genes on chromosome 6 that define "self" antigens and determine tissue or organ graft compatibility, resulting in acceptance or rejection following transplantation |
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Term
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Definition
| mucosa-associated lymphocyte tissue such as tonsils and Peyer's patches under the small bowel that serve as secondary lymphoid organs to detect and eliminate foreign antigens coming in contact with mucosal epithelial surfaces |
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Term
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Definition
| the requirement that immune cells share the same MHC or "self" antigens in order to interact and immunologically respond together |
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Term
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Definition
| immune responsiveness mediated at epithelial mucosal surfaces, often involving IgA |
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Term
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Definition
| a cancer of B-lymphocytes that causes these cells to produce huge quantities of immunoglobulin fragments |
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Term
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Definition
| binding of substances such as antibodies to epitopes on cells that make the cells more susceptible to phagocytosis |
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Term
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Definition
| transfer of protective antibody from an immune to a susceptible individual providing protection from disease for a period of time defined by the duration of antibody persistence |
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Term
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Definition
| molecules produced by cytotoxic cells that bind to the plasma membrane of target cells creating large channels that alter selective membrane permeability and cause cell death |
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Term
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Definition
| sites where cells of the immune system develop and mature including the bone marrow and thymus gland |
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Term
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Definition
| an enzyme produced by retroviruses including HIV that synthesizes DNA from templates of viral RNA nucleotide sequences |
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Term
| secondary lymphoid organs |
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Definition
| sites where mature cells of the immune system encounter, trap, and destroy foreign substances as they invade the body, including the spleen, lymph nodes, and MALT |
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Term
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Definition
| highly vascular organ consisting of blood sinuses and connective tissue where both mature B- and T-lymphocytes destroy foreign damaging agents and substances |
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Term
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Definition
| a gland in most vertebrate animals in the upper anterior chest or base of the neck where T-cells migrate to mature |
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Definition
| white blood cells that develop in the bone marrow and mature in the thymus that mediate cellular immunity |
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Term
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Definition
| modified, immunogenic but harmless toxins that induce protective immunity from the effects of subsequent toxin exposure |
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Term
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Definition
| induction of immune protection by exposing organisms to infectious agents that have been treated to substantially reduce or eliminate their ability to cause damage or disease |
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Term
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Definition
| groups of antigens of an infectious agent |
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Term
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Definition
| the sequences of amino acids on the H and L chains of immunoglobulin molecules that vary among different antibodies; this region forms the antigen-binding portion of the immunoglobulin |
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Term
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Definition
| inflammation of less than two weeks duration often associated with bacterial infections and usually characterized by the presence of neutrophils, monocytes, and macrophages |
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Term
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Definition
| blue-staining granulocytes that carry an IgE receptor and contain cytoplasmic granules filled with biologically active enzymes and cytokines that mediate the inflammatory process |
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Term
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Definition
| the protective protein covering over the nucleotide genome of a virus |
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Term
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Definition
| primary prevention of infectious diseases by administering antimicrobial drugs to prevent infection |
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Term
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Definition
| inflammation of more than two weeks duration characterized by the presence of mononuclear cells and often associated with endogenous infectious agents such as viruses or intracellular bacteria or the presence of a foreign body |
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Term
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Definition
| the persistence of potentially pathogenic infectious agents in living tissue without causing tissue damage or disease |
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Definition
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Definition
| constituents primarily of bacterial cell walls that cause cellular or tissue damage, often mediated by the host immune response |
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Definition
| red-staining granulocytes that contain biologically active proteins and enzymes that mediate defense against parasitic infections. Eosinophils also produce cytokines that down-regulate the inflammatory response, remodel extracellular matrix during tissue healing, and mediate many adverse responses during asthmatic attacks |
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Definition
| redness of the skin associated with inflammation |
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Term
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Definition
| agents produced and released primarily by bacteria into the environment that disrupt cell function and/or cause cell and tissue damage |
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Term
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Definition
| any of a variety of spore producing plants that can cause a wide variety of diseases ranging from acute irritation to chronic inflammation and potentially life threatening infection, especially among individuals with immune compromise |
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Term
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Definition
| a bacterial sexually-transmitted disease |
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Term
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Definition
| a major group of white blood cells that have irregular, lobed nuclei and granules in their cytoplasm |
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Term
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Definition
| areas of tissue damage caused by chronic inflammation characterized by large areas of tissue destruction surrounded by fibrous elements of extracellular matrix and the presence of large, bizarre inflammatory cells |
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Term
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Definition
| an inflammatory disease of the liver caused by any of at least six different viruses. The most prevalent form is hepatitis B |
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Definition
| disease caused when the virulence of microbiologic agents overcomes host immune defenses resulting in tissue invasion and damage |
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Term
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Definition
| the localized reaction that occurs in tissue in response to an infection or physical or chemical injury |
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Definition
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Term
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Definition
| a subgroup of mononuclear cells that includes the T and B cells that mediate immune reactions |
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Definition
| a protozoan disease transmitted by mosquitoes characterized by high fevers and systemic infection that may cause death |
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Term
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Definition
| cells that are similar to basophils in form and function that originate in the bone marrow and migrate to connective tissue surrounding blood vessels |
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Term
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Definition
| a subgroup of mononuclear cells that are called monocytes when they are in the bloodstream and macrophages when they are in tissues. These cells are the APC's that mediate endocytosis and presentation of antigen to T and B cells during immune reactions |
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Term
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Definition
| a major group of white blood cells that have round non-segmented nuclei and smooth cytoplasm |
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Term
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Definition
| non-staining granulocytes that contain digestive endosomes and are the principal mediators of phagocytosis |
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Term
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Definition
| primarily protozoa and worms that cause chronic inflammation and disease by invading tissues, often as a consequence of consuming contaminated food or water |
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Term
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Definition
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Term
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Definition
| a porous condition or state of cells or tissues that allows liquids to pass through them |
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Term
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Definition
| cells capable of phagocytosis including neutrophils, monocytes, and macrophages |
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Term
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Definition
| specialized blood cells that interact with coagulation proteins in the blood to form clots and stop bleeding from damaged blood vessels |
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Term
| polymorphonuclear leukocyte or PMN |
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Definition
| another term for granulocyte |
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Term
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Definition
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Term
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Definition
| any of a variety of fluke-like worms that cause parasitic infections of the liver, intestines, and bladder associated with chronic inflammation and extensive tissue damage |
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Term
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Definition
| a bacterial sexually-transmitted disease |
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Term
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Definition
| a chronic inflammatory disease that usually originates in the lungs but may spread throughout the body caused by an intracellular bacterium capable of developing resistance to multiple antibiotics |
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Term
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Definition
| the degree of damage or injury that a toxin or infectious agent is capable of causing to cells, tissues, or living organisms |
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Term
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Definition
| cancers of glandular epithelial cells |
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Term
| adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) |
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Definition
| a dominant tumor suppressor gene on chromosome 5. Mutations of APC are associated with familial adenomatous polyposis or FAP |
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Term
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Definition
| loss of normal shape and organization of cells and tissues associated with malignant transformation |
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Term
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Definition
| reduction in the number of red blood cells, often causing fatigue |
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Definition
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Definition
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Definition
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Definition
| an imbalance of the cellular components of the blood |
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Definition
| a dominant tumor suppressor gene on chromosome 17 that repairs damaged DNA. BRCA-1 mutations are found in about 7% of women with a history of breast cancer |
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Term
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Definition
| a dominant tumor suppressor gene on chromosome 13 that repairs damaged DNA. BRCA-1 and 2 mutations are responsible for about 5-10% of all breast cancers |
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Term
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Definition
| general physical wasting and malnutrition associated with chronic disease |
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Term
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Definition
| any neoplasm that demonstrates uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells and is associated with invasive spread and metastasis |
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Term
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Definition
| cancers of squamous epithelial cells |
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Term
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Definition
| the earliest stage in development of carcinomas when cancer cells have not spread beyond their immediate site of origin, as when epithelial cells have not yet invaded through the basement membrane of their extracellular cell matrix |
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Term
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Definition
| genes that produce the proteins that repair damaged DNA |
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Term
| cellular proto-oncogenes (c-onc) |
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Definition
| any of at least 50 different genes in the human genome such as ras that are expressed during the cell growth cycle. Cancer of a cell is usually the result of multiple mutations in c-onc genes. |
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Term
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Definition
| the process of anatomic and functional maturation demonstrated by normal cells and tissues. Progressively more undifferentiated malignancies are more primitive, under less genetic regulatory control, and are more aggressive |
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Term
| ductal carinoma in situ (DCIS) |
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Definition
| the pre-invasive stage of breast duct cell cancer |
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Term
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Definition
| abnormally appearing cells usually of squamous epithelium considered to be a pre-malignant change |
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Term
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Definition
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Term
| familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) |
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Definition
| a familial form of colon cancer caused by mutations of the APC gene, characterized by development of thousands of polyps of the colon resulting in colon cancer before the third or fourth decade of life |
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Term
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Definition
| the customary method of describing prognosis as the percent likelihood that an individual with a cancer of a specific stage and grade will be alive in five years |
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Term
| hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer (HNPCC) ("Lynch syndrome") |
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Definition
| colon cancer associated with mutations of any of five different genes on chromosomes 2, 3, and 7 that comprise 5-15 % of all cases of colon cancer |
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Term
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Definition
| DNA repair accomplished by certain caretaker genes by copying the correct (non-mutated) nucleotide(s) from another homologous strand, either on the other chromosome, a sister chromatid, or homologous repeat sequences on the same chromosome |
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Term
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Definition
| a mutated dominant gene on chromosome 1 associated with familial prostate cancer that increases the risk of developing cancer before 55 years of age |
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Term
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Definition
| increased proliferation of cells with normal appearance in tissue often involving glandular epithelium and considered a pre-malignant change |
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Term
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Definition
| reduction in the number of white blood cells that may cause decreased immune responsiveness, including reduced resistance to infection |
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Term
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Definition
| cancer of the white blood cells that may be chronic or acute and is named for the type of white blood cell most prominently involved |
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Term
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Definition
| cancer of the lymphoid tissue |
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Term
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Definition
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Term
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Definition
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Term
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Definition
| malignancy of the pleura, or fibrous covering of the lung, constituting about 5% of all forms of lung cancer |
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Term
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Definition
| transfer of any disease causing agent from one part of the body to another associated with the development of the same pathologic changes in the new location |
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Term
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Definition
| the number of cells within a microscopic field that are undergoing mitosis; a high mitotic index is associated with more rapid cell proliferation and, usually a more virulent malignancy |
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Term
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Definition
| a new growth of tissue that serves no physiologic purpose; a tumor |
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Term
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Definition
| genes that are uncontrollably activated by mutations or loss of control by regulator genes, leading to malignant transformation |
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Term
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Definition
| the induction or formation of tumors |
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Term
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Definition
| the medical discipline that studies and treats various forms of cancer |
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Term
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Definition
| a gene on chromosome 17 that produces a protein that suppresses cell division and/or induces cellular apoptosis. Mutations of p53 are associated with 60% of lung cancers and more rapid progression of cancers of bladder, brain, breast, cervix, gastrointestinal tract, liver, kidney, lung, and bone |
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Term
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Definition
| the connective tissue covering of the lung |
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Term
| prostate specific antigen (PSA) |
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Definition
| an enzyme secreted by the epithelial cells of the prostate gland that is used as a screening test for prostate cancer |
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Term
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Definition
| a gene on chromosome 11 that produces a signaling enzyme that activates other genes initiating mitosis. Mutations in ras irreversibly switch on mitosis. Ras mutations are present in 30% of cancers and are associated with cancers of the colon, lung, and pancreas |
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Term
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Definition
| cancers of cells of mesodermal origin such as muscle or bone |
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Term
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Definition
| a drug that modulates estrogen receptors used to treat estrogen receptor-positive cancers |
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Term
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Definition
| reduction in the number of thrombocytes or platelets associated with uncontrolled bleeding due to impaired coagulation of blood |
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Term
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Definition
| a clinical system to classify the degree of anaplasia of a cancer. Higher grades mean that the cancer is more undifferentiated and this is associated with higher virulence and a poorer prognosis |
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Term
| tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF - a) |
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Definition
| a cytokine produced by monocytes and macrophages that mediates a variety of inflammatory responses including activation of IL-1, initiation of apoptosis, and some forms of tumor cell destruction. TNF-α is also associated with cachexia. |
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Term
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Definition
| a clinical system to classify the extent of cancer spread. Higher stages mean more extensive spread and are associated with a poorer prognosis |
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