Glossary of the Immune and Respiratory System

Adenoids

Lymph tissue located in the upper part of the throat behind the nose.

AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome)

A secondary immune deficiency caused by HIV infection.

Antibodies

Protein molecules that are produced and released by certain types of white blood cells (lymphocytes) in response to a "foreign invader" or antigen. Their primary function is to fight bacteria, viruses, toxins, and other substances foreign to the body.

Bacteria

Single-celled organisms that can cause infection.

B-cell

A type of white blood cell of the immune system. They are produced in the bone marrow and they produce antibodies.

Bone Marrow

Soft tissue inside most bones that contains cells of the immune system and developing red blood cells.

Bone Marrow Transplant

Bone marrow is removed from a healthy donor and given to the immune deficient through an IV.

Chronic Granuloma Disease of Childhood

In this disease, the phagocytes are unable to kill certain "foreign invaders".

Complement

Blood proteins that help destroy "foreign invaders" like bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

Congenital

Congenital conditions are conditions a person is born with.

Foreign Invaders

Bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other substances that are foreign to the body.

Fungus (fungi is the plural form)

Primitive organisms that can cause disease.

Gamma Interferon

Helps fight infection and boosts the function of phagocytes.

Gamma globulin

An antibody. Also called immune globulin.

Gene Therapy

Genes are the basic units of heredity. Researchers are working to clone or reproduce different genes that can treat diseases like immune deficiencies.

Hepatitis

Inflammation or swelling of the liver. There are many causes including several different hepatitis viruses.

HIV

Human immunodeficiency virus. A virus that is found in the blood and other body secretions of an infected person.

Hypogammaglobulinemia

Lower than normal levels of immunoglobulins (or anti-bodies) in the blood.

IgA

An antibody found in blood, tears, saliva, mucus, and gastric juices.

IgG

The most common antibody. It is found in the blood and fights bacteria and viruses.

IgM

An antibody found in the blood. It functions like IgG, but is formed earlier in the immune response.

Immune Response

The activity or response of the immune system against "foreign invaders".

Immunodeficiency (Immune Deficiency)

A problem with the immune system that prevents an adequate immune response.

Immunoglobulin (gamma globulin)

See antibodies.

Immunologist

A doctor who treats people with immune system problems.

Immunology

The study of the immune system.

Infectious

Causes infections.

Interstitium 

The part of the lung that includes a portion of the connective tissue of the blood vessels and air sacs and makes up the membrane where gas exchange (oxygen and carbon dioxide) takes place in the lung.

Intravenous (IV)

Into the vein.

Leukocyte (white blood cell, BWC)

Small, colorless blood cells that play a major role in the body’s immune system. There are five basic white blood cells: monocytes, lymphocytes, neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils.

Liver

An organ in the abdomen that contains phagocytes and helps make complement.

Lymph nodes

Small, bean-shaped organs of the immune system, distributed all through the body.

Lymphocytes

White blood cells that carry out functions of the immune system. B-cells and T-cells are the major forms.

Organism

An individual, living thing.

Phagocytes

A class of white blood cells that eat infectious organisms (foreign invaders).

Primary Immune Deficiency

An immune deficiency that you are born with.

Proteins

A class of chemicals found in the body that includes antibodies.

Secondary Immune Deficiency

An immune deficiency that is not inherited, but is acquired.

Secretions

Fluids produced in the body.

Severe Combined Immunodeficiency

The most serious immune deficiency. Both T-cells and B-cells are deficient or missing.

Spleen

An organ in the abdomen. It produces antibodies and contains B-cells, T-cells, and phagocytes.

T-cells (T-lymphocytes)

Lymphocytes that are processed in the thymus gland. They help with the immune response.

Tissues

A group of similar cells in the body that come together to do the same job. Examples are skin, bone, lymph, and muscle tissues.

Tonsils

Two oval lymph tissues located in the back of the mouth.

Viruses

Very small organisms that cause infection.