Lymphatic System - Medical Terminology

Acquired immunity—formation/production of antibodies and lymphocytes in response to exposure to an antigen

Acquired immunity—immunity as a result of exposure to a disease

Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)—group of clinical signs and symptoms associated with suppression of the immune system and marked by opportunistic infection, secondary neoplasms and neurologic and problems. It is caused by HIV, which destroy helper T cell. This disrupts the immune response, allowing infections to occur

active acquired immunity—two types; natural and artificial acquired immunity

Adaptive immunity—the body’s ability to recognize and remember specific antigens in an immune response to attack them. Lymphocytes (T and B cell) are the parts of adaptive immunity. T cells recognize and remember and B cells secrete antibodies against an antigen. Another example is vaccination. Poisons that rapidly cause major damage can be counteracted by giving read-made antibodies which is produced in another organism called antitoxins. Injections of ready-made antibodies, such as immunoglobulins, can boost adaptive immunity before traveling to another country. Infants are given adaptive immunity they receive maternal antibodies through the placenta or breast milk. It has two components: humoral immunity and cell-mediated immunity.

adaptive immunity—the slower-acting defenses in the body that involve specific recognition of a specific microbe once it has moved past the body's nonspecific defenses

Adenitis—inflammation of the lymph gland

Adenoids—enlarged lymph tissue in the part of the throat near the nasal passage (nasopharynx)

Adenoids—pair of glands composed of lymphoid tissue, found in nasophaynx; also called phayngeal tonsils.

Adherence—the attachment of a phagocyte to a microbe or other foreign material

AIDS—a disease that suppresses the body’s natural immune defense system

Allergen—substance capable of causing a specific hypersensitivity reaction in the body, a type of antigen

Allergen—substance causes an allergic reaction

Allergy—abnormal hypersensitivity acquired by exposure to an antigen. Allergic reaction occurs when a sensitized person, who has previously been exposed to an agent (allergen), reacts violently to a subsequent exposure. This reaction varies in intensity from allergic rhinitis or hay fever (caused by pollen or animal dander) to systemic anaphylaxis in which a hypersensitivity reaction occurs throughout the body leading to hypotension, shock, respiratory distress and edema of the larynx. Anaphylaxis can be life threatening. Other allergies are asthma (pollens, dust, and molds), hives (caused by food or drugs) and atopic dermatitis (rash from soap, cosmetic, chemicals). A person who is atopic is prone to allergies

anaphylactic shock or anaphylaxis—severe and sometimes fatal allergic reaction

Anaphylaxis—a severe allergic reaction

Anaphylaxis—exaggerated or unusual hypersensitivity to previously encountered foreign proteins or other antigens. Vasodilation and a decrease in blood pressure can be life-threatening

antibody mediated immunity—consists of B cells that transform into plasma cells which secrete specific proteins directed against extracellular pathogens

Antibody—a specific protein synthesized and secreted by plasma cells, that can bind to and inactivate a specific antigen

Antibody—protein produced by B cells to destroy antigens

antigen presentation—the insertion of an antigen-major histocompatibility complex into the plasma membrane

antigen presenting cell—a type of migratory cell that processes and exposes antigens to T cells during an immune response; examples include macrophages and B cells in the skin, mucous membranes, and lymph nodes

antigen processing—the breakdown of antigenic proteins into peptide fragments that then associate with major histocompatibility complex molecules

antigen receptor—a specific protein found on the plasma membranes of B and T cells that are able to recognize specific antigens

Antigen—any foreign substance that provokes an immune response

Antigen—substance that the body recognizes as foreign, evokes an immune response. Most antigens are proteins or protein fragment found on the surface of bacteria, viruses or organ transplant tissue cells

antimicrobial substance—any chemical that discourages the growth of a pathogen, including interferons and complement

ARC—is the term used for the case in which and individual contracts HIV and develops other conditions but not AIDS itself

artificial acquired immunity—immunity from injection of vaccine, antigen, or toxoid

Asplenia—the condition may be congenital, or result from surgical removal. Congenital absence of the spleen

Atopy—hypersensitive or allergic state involving an inherited predisposition. From the atopia meaning strangeness

Autoimmune disease—A condition in which the body recognizes its own tissues as foreign and directs an immune response against them. Autoimmune disease is linked to production of antibodies against self-antigens

Autoimmune disease—examples are rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus, there are chronic, disabling diseases caused by the abnormal production of antibodies against normal body tissues, signs and symptoms are inflammation of joints, skin, rash and fever. Glucocorticoid drugs (prednisone) and other immunosuppressant (azathioprine, methotrexate) are effective as treatment but make patients susceptible to infection

Axillary nodes—lymph nodes in the armpit

B cell—a type of lymphocyte that differentiates into an antibody-producing plasma cell

B lymphocytes (B Cells)—lymph nodes also fight disease when these specialized lymphocytes, present in lymphocytes produces antibodies. B cells mature in bone marrow. The B refers to bursa of Fabricius, an organ in birds in which B cells differentiation and growth were first noted to occur

Capsule—the dense connective tissue that surrounds a lymphatic organ; has extensions (trabeculae) that penetrate inward and further divide the organ into smaller compartments

Cd4 cells—helper T cells that carry the CD4 protein antigen or their surface. HIV binds to CD4 and infects and kills T cells bearing this protein. AIDS patients have an inadequate number of CD4+ Cells

CD4+ cell count—measure the number of CD4+ T cells in the bloodstream of patients with AIDS

cell mediated immunity—consists of cytotoxic T cells that directly attack specific types of invading intracellular pathogens, some cancer cells, and tissue transplants

Cell-mediated immunity—it involves T cells with different function and it does not involve antibodies. Cytotoxic T cells (CD8= T cells) attach to antigens and directly kill them. Cytotoxic cells also secrete cytokines (interferons and interleukins) which aid other cells in antigens destruction. Helper T cells (CD4= T cells) assists B cells in making antibodies and they stimulate T cells to attack antigens. Suppressor T cells (regulatory T cells or Tregs), inhibits both B and T cells and prevents them from attacking the body’s own good cells.

Cervical nodes—lymph nodes in the neck region

Chemotaxis—a chemically-stimulated movement of phagocytes to a site of tissue damage

clonal selection—the process in which a lymphocyte proliferates and differentiates in response to a specific antigen, forming a population of clones that are able to recognize the same specific antigen as the original lymphocyte

complement system—a group of over 30 proteins in the blood plasma and body tissue that, when activated, enhance certain immune reactions such as inflammation, cytosis (bursting) of microbes, and phagocytosis

Complement system—a group pf protein that helps antibodies to kill their target and help the adaptive immunity system

Computed tomography scan—x-ray imaging produces cross-sectional and other views of anatomic structures

Cortex—an outer layer of an organ

Cytokine—a small protein hormone, secreted by lymphocytes and antigen-presenting cells, that helps regulate cellular activities during innate or adaptive immune responses

Cytokines—proteins secreted by cytotoxic T cells to aid in antigen destruction. Proteins that aid and regulate the immune response

Cytolysis—the process where extracellular fluid flows into a target cell, causing the cell to burst

cytotoxic T cell—a type of lymphocyte that kills host target cells by releasing perforin, granzymes, and other destructive chemicals

Dendritic cell—also help the adaptive immunity, which initiates adaptive immunity by presenting antigens to T and B cells. Antigen-presenting cell. Shows T and B cells what to attack

ELISA—screening test to detect anti-HIV antibodies in the bloodstream. It confirmed with Westron blot test, which is more specific.

Fever—an abnormally high body temperature that occurs during infection and inflammation which intensifies the effects of interferons, inhibits growth of microbes, and speeds up body reactions that aid repair

Follicular lymphoma—composed of collections of small lymphocytes in a follicle or nodule arrangement

Functions of spleen—destruction of old erythrocytes by macrophages. Filtration of microorganisms and other foreign material from the blood. Activation of B & T lymphocytes, produces antibodies and attack foreign materials and storage of blood. The storage of blood cells is called sequestration

gastric juice—a strongly acidic mixture of hydrochloric acid, enzymes, and mucus secreted by stomach glands that can destroy bacteria and their toxins

graft rejection—the cell- and antibody-mediated immune responses against transplanted organs

Granzyme—a protein-digesting enzyme released by natural killer (NK) cells that causes the infected target cell to undergo apoptosis, or self-destruction

helper T cell—a type of lymphocyte that works with B cells to increase antibody production by plasma cells, and stimulates the proliferation of both T cells and B cells

Histamine—a substance released by mast cells in connective tissue, and basophils and platelets in the blood, that causes vasodilation and increased permeability of blood capillaries

Histocompatibility—the tissue compatibility between a donor and recipient, based upon the similarity of their major histocompatibility complex antigens

HIV-positive—persons who were exposed to HIV and now have antibodies in their blood against this virus. HIV is found in blood, semen, vaginal and cervical secretions, saliva, and other body fluids. Transmission of HIV may occur by sexual contact, blood inoculation and passage of the virus from infected mothers to their newborns.

HIV—progressively destroys the body T4-lymphocyte cells which are the immune system key infection fighters

Hodgkin disease—malignant tumor of lymphoid tissue in spleen and lymph nodes. Reed-sternberg cell is often found on microscopic analysis and characterized by lymphadenopathy a chronic enlargement of the lymph nodes, often local at the onset and later generalized, together with enlargement of the spleen and often of the liver, no pronounced leukocytosis, and commonly anemia and continuous or remittent (Pel-Ebstein) fever; considered to be a malignant neoplasm of lymphoid cells of malignant cell (Reed-Sternberg cells), associated with inflammatory infiltration of lymphocytes and eosinophilic leukocytes and fibrosis; can be classified into lymphocytic predominant, nodular sclerosing, mixed cellularity, and lymphocytic depletion type. Wasting syndrome—marked by weight loss and decrease in muscular strength, appetite and mental activity, also may occur with AIDS.

Hodgkins disease—specific type of cancer of the lymph nodes

Humeral immunity—it involves B cells, which produce antibodies after exposure to specific antigens (virus and bacteria). The B cell matures into another cell called plasma cell. It is the plasma cell that produces antibodies called immunoglobulins, which block the effects of antigens. (Ig= immunoglobulins). One maternal immunoglobulin, IgG, crosses the placenta to provide immunity for newborns. IgE, is important in allergic reactions and in fighting parasitic infection

Hypersensitivity—an abnormal response to a drug or allergen

Hypersplenism—a syndrome marked by splenomegaly and often associated with blood cell destruction, anemia, leukopenia and thrombocytopenia

Immune system—it is specialized to defend the body against antigens such as toxins, bacterial; proteins, or foreign body cells. This system includes leukocytes such as neutrophils, monocytes, and macrophages, which are phagocytes found in blood and tissues throughout the body,

immune system—the cells and tissues that carry out the body's defensive responses against pathogens and other foreign substances

Immunity—a body’s ability to resist foreign organisms and toxins that damage tissues and organ. Natural resistance is resistance present at birth. Other white blood cells such as monocytes, macrophages and lymphocytes (NK and natural killer cells) participate in the body’s natural immunity against infection. This include natural immunity and adaptive immunity

Immunity—the ability to prevent or minimize damage or disease through the body's defenses; also called resistance

Immunization—process of increasing resistance to disease

Immunocompetent—the ability to engage in an immune response

Immunodeficiency—some are present at birth. An example is severe combined immunodeficiency disease (SCID).

Immunoelectrophoresis—test that separate immunoglobulins

Immunogenicity—the ability to provoke an immune response by stimulating the production of specific antibodies, the proliferation of specific T cells, or both

Immunoglobulin—A protein molecule formed by mature B cells in response to foreign proteins in the body. There are five types of immunoglobulins, but the major one is gamma globulin or immunoglobulin G

Immunoglobulin—another name for an antibody based upon the group of glycoproteins it belongs to

Immunoglobulins—antibodies such as IgA, IgE, IgM, IgG and IgD, secreted by plasma cells in response to the presence of an antigens

Immunology—the branch of biology that deals with the responses of the body when challenged by antigens

Immunosuppression—this may occur because of exposure to drugs (corticosteroids) or as the result of disease (AIDS & cancer). These patients are susceptible to infection with fungi, pneumocystis bacteria and other pathogens

Immunotherapy—it is the use of antibodies, B cells (producing antibodies) and T cells or vaccine to treat disease such as cancer. Types of immunotherapy are monoclonal antibodies (MoAB), vaccines and transfers of immune cells

incubation period (stage)—time interval between the entry of an infectious agent in the host and the onset of symptoms

Inflammation—a nonspecific, defensive response of body tissues to damage, which helps destroy microbes and initiates tissue repair

Inguinal nodes—lymph nodes in groin region

innate immunity—the fast-acting defenses present in the body from birth that do not involve specific recognition of a pathogen

Interferon—a protein produced and released by virus-infected lymphocytes and macrophages that causes uninfected neighboring cells to produce antiviral proteins that can stop viral replication

Interferons—proteins secreted by T cells and other cells to aid and regulate the immune response

Interleukins—proteins that stimulate the growth of B and T cells

Interstitial fluid—an extracellular fluid that fills the spaces between most of the cells of the body and provides a substantial portion of the liquid environment of the body. Formed by filtration through the blood capillaries, it is drained away as lymph. It closely resembles blood plasma in composition but contains less protein.

interstitial fluid—another name for lymph fluid

Interstitial fluid—fluid in the spaces between cells. This fluid becomes lymph when it passes continuously into specialized thin-walled vessels called lymph capillaries which found coursing through tissue spaces. The fluid in the lymph capillaries, now called lymph instead of interstitial fluid, passes through larger lymphatic vessels and through clusters of lymph tissues (lymph nodes), finally reaching large lymphatic vessels in the upper chest

Kaposi sarcoma—malignant lesion associated with AIDS; a cancer arising from the lining of capillaries that produces red, brown, black or dark purplish skin nodules

Lacteal—a specialized lymphatic capillary in the small intestine that carries dietary lipids to lymphatic vessels, which then transports them into the blood

Large cell lymphoma—composed of large lymphocyte that infiltrates nodes and tissues diffusely

Lymph capillaries—begin at the spaces around cells throughout the body. They are thin-walled tubes and carry lymph from the tissue spaces to larger lymph vessels

lymph node—a bean-shaped structure located along lymphatic vessels that contains macrophages and lymphocytes that filter foreign substances out of the incoming lymph

Lymph nodes—collection of stationary lymph tissue, called lymph nodes, located along the path of the lymph vessels. It produces lymphocytes and filters lymph and trap substances from infections, inflammatory and cancerous lesions. Tiniest lymphatic vessels

lymph nodes—structures that produce lymphocytes and filter out harmful bacteria

Lymph vessels—carrier of lymph throughout the body that have thicker walls than those of lymph capillaries and like veins, contain valves so that lymph flows in only one direction

lymph vessels—structures that transport excess tissue fluid back into the circulatory system

Lymphadenitis—Lymphadenitis is the inflammation of a lymph node. It is often a complication of a bacterial infection of a wound, although it can also be caused by viruses or other disease agents. Lymphadenitis may be either generalized, involving a number of lymph nodes; or limited to a few nodes in the area of a localized infection

Lymphadenopathy—disease of the lymph nodes

Lymphadentitis—inflammation of the lymph nodes

lymphatic capillary—a close-ended microscopic lymphatic vessel that begins in the interstitial spaces between cells, takes in interstitial fluid, and begins its transport through the lymphatic system

lymphatic nodule—an egg-shaped mass (follicle) of lymphatic tissue that is not surrounded by a capsule, but is often found scattered throughout the connective tissue of mucous membranes lining the GI, urinary, reproductive, and respiratory tracts

lymphatic system—the vessels, organs, and other structures that drain excess interstitial fluid, transport dietary lipids from the digestive tract into the blood, and protect the body from damage and disease

lymphatic tissue—a specialized type of reticular connective tissue containing large numbers of lymphocytes

lymphatic vessel—a large vessel that collects lymph from lymphatic capillaries and converges with others to form the thoracic and right lymphatic ducts

Lymph—clear, watery fluid, that surrounds body cells and flow in a system of thin walled lymph vessels collected from tissues that extends throughout the body. It differs from blood, but it has a close relationship to the blood system. Does not contain erythrocytes and platelets but rich in two types of white blood cell and monocytes. It actually originates from the blood

Lymphedema—interstitial fluid collects within the spaces between cells as a result of obstruction of lymphatic vessels and nodes. Radiation therapy may destroy lymphatic and produce lymphedema, as in breast cancer treatment.

Lymphedema—Swelling, especially in subcutaneous tissues, as a result of obstruction of lymphatic vessels or lymph nodes, with accumulation of lymph in the affected region.

Lymphocytes—a type of white blood cell

Lymphocytopenia— Lymphocytopenia is a condition marked by an abnormally low level of lymphocytes in the blood. Lymphocytes are a specific type of white blood cell with important functions in the immune system

Lymphocytosis—A condition marked by an abnormal increase in the number of lymphocytes in the bloodstream, usually resulting from infection or inflammation. Also called lymphocythemia, lymphocytic leukocytosis

Lymphoid organs—lymph nodes, spleen, thymus gland, tonsils and adenoids produces antibodies and lymphocytes

Lymphoid—the suffix –oid resembling or derived from. Resembling or pertaining to lymph or tissue of the lymphoid system

Lymphoma—cancer of lymph node or Malignant tumor of lymph tissues. Examples are Hodgkin disease and non-Hodgkin lymphomas

Lymphopoiesis—the development of lymphocytes or of lymphoid tissue

Lymph—the fluid transported by lymphatic vessels, processed within lymphatic organs, and then ultimately returned to the blood

Lymph—watery fluid in the lymphatic vessels

Lysozyme—an enzyme found in tears, saliva, perspiration, nasal secretions, and tissue fluids that helps break down bacterial cell walls

Macrophages—large phagocyte located in lymph nodes, swallow (phagocytose) foreign substances.

major histocompatibility complex—a group of "self-antigens" located in the plasma membranes of body cells that are unique for each person

Mediastinal nodes—lymph nodes in the area between the lungs in the thoracic cavity

Medulla—an inner layer of an organ

memory cell—a long-lived B cell or T cell that does not actively participate in the initial immune response to an antigen, but can trigger a rapid immune response if the same antigen re-enters the body in the future

Mesenteric nodes—lymph nodes in the mesentery (intestinal region)

Monoclonal antibodies (MoAB)—these are created in laboratory by special reproductive techniques. They are designed to attack specific cancer cells. Rituxan is an example of monoclonal therapy that is made to kill malignant lymphoma cells. It is a passive immunotherapy

Mononucleosis—the presence of an abnormally large number of mononuclear leukocytes, or monocytes, in the blood.

Multiple myeloma—malignant tumor of bone marrow cells. This tumor is composed of plasma cell associated with high levels of one of the specific immunoglobulins, usually IgG

natural immunity—immunity with which a person is born

Natural immunity—protections that an individual is born with to fight infection such as neutrophils, monocytes, macrophages and NK cells. It is not antigen specific and does not elicit memory

natural killer cell—a type of lymphocyte that can destroy a wide variety of infected body cells and certain tumor cells that display abnormal or unusual plasma membrane proteins

Non-Hodgkin disease—group of malignant tumors involving lymphoid tissue, include follicular lymphoma and large cell lymphoma. It is mostly B cell lymphomas and rarely T cell malignancies.

opportunistic infection—An infection by a microorganism that normally does not cause disease but becomes pathogenic when the body's immune system is impaired and unable to fight off infection, as in AIDS and certain other diseases.

Opportunistic infections—are infectious disease associated with AIDS as HIV lowers resistance and allows infection by bacteria and parasites that are easily otherwise contained by normal defenses.

Paraaortic nodes—lymph nodes near the aorta in the lumbar area of the body. The paraaortic lymph nodes (also known as para-aortic, periaortic, peri-aortic, and lumbar) are a group of lymph nodes that lie in front of the lumbar vertebral bodies near the aorta. These lymph nodes receive drainage from the lower gastrointestinal tract and the pelvic organs.

passive acquired immunity—borrowed immunity, has a temporary effect

Pathogen—any disease-causing microbe, such as bacteria or viruses

Perforin—a protein released by natural killer (NK) cells that creates channels in the plasma membrane of the target cell, causing the cell to burst

plasma cell—a descendant of a B cell that produces and secretes antibodies

Plasma cells—mature B cells

primary lymphatic organ—an area in the body where stem cells divide and become immunocompetent; examples: red bone marrow, thymus

Prostaglandin—a lipid released by damaged tissue cells that intensifies the effects of histamine

red pulp—the region of the spleen composed of blood-filled venous sinuses and thin plates of splenic tissue (cords), which consist of red blood cells and various white blood cells

Reverse transcriptase (RT)—drugs that are used to treat AIDS are inhibitors of the viral enzyme. Examples are zidovudine and lamivudine (epivir). A second class of anti-HIV drug is protease inhibitors. These drugs inhibit another viral enzyme called protease. HIV needs protease to reproduce. Use of combinations of protease inhibitors (nelfinavir, amprenavir) and RTIs is called HAART (highly active antiretroviral therapy).

Right lymphatic duct and thoracic duct—two large ducts in the upper chest. Lymph vessels lead toward the thoracic cavity and empty into these two large ducts. The thoracic duct drains the lower body and the left side of the head, whereas, the right lymphatic duct drains the right side of the head and the chest. It empties a lymph into a large vein in the neck

right lymphatic duct—a lymphatic vessel that drains lymph from the upper right side of the body and empties into the right subclavian vein

Saliva—a secreted substance that washes microbes from the surfaces of the teeth and from the mucous membranes of the mouth, and also reduces colonization of the mouth by microbes

secondary lymphatic organ—an area in the body where most immune responses occur; examples: lymph nodes, spleen, lymphatic nodules

Spleen and thymus gland—part of the lymphatic system.

Spleen—located in the LUQ of the abdomen, next to the stomach that destroys worn-out red blood cells, activates lymphocytes and stores blood. It is not essential to life

Spleen—lymph organ situated below and behind the stomach

Spleen—the largest single mass of lymphatic tissue in the body, located between the stomach and diaphragm, that functions in the formation of blood cells during early fetal development, phagocytosis of ruptured blood cells, and proliferation of B cells during an immune response

Splenectomy—surgical removal of the spleen, which is an organ that is part of the lymphatic system. The spleen is a dark-purple, bean-shaped organ located in the upper left side of the abdomen. After splenectomy, the liver, none marrow and lymph nodes take over the functions of the spleen

Splenectomy—Surgical removal of the spleen.

Splenomegaly—enlargement of the spleen

standard precautions—guidelines to be used during routine patient care and cleaning duties

Susceptibility—a vulnerability or lack of resistance to damage or disease

T lymphocytes (T cells)—presents in nodes. They attach bacteria and foreign cells by accurately recognizing a cell as foreign and destroying it. T cell originate in the thymus gland

thoracic duct—a lymphatic vessel that receives lymph from the left side of the head, neck, and chest, left arm, and the entire body below the ribs, and empties into the junction between the internal jugular and left subclavian veins; also called the left lymphatic duct

thoracic duct—lymphatic duct that receives lymph from left side of the body

Thoracic duct—The thoracic duct drains the lower body and the left side of the head. It empties a lymph into a large vein in the neck

Thymectomy—Surgical removal of the thymus gland

Thymoma—malignant tumor of the thymus gland. It is often associated with a neuromuscular disorder, myasthenia gravis. Many patients have associated autoimmune disorders such as systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis

Thymus gland—a lymphatic organ located in the upper mediastinum between the lungs. It became smaller with age. It is composed of nests of lymphoid cells resting on a platform of connective tissue. It plays an important role in the body’s ability to protect itself from disease (immunity).

Thymus—a bi-lobed organ located between the lungs (in the superior mediastinum posterior to the sternum) in which T cells develop immunocompetence

Thymus—endocrine located under the sternum; produces T-lymphocytes

Tolerance—In the thymus, lymphocytes learn to recognize and accept body’s own antigen as “self” or friendly. This acceptance of “self” antigen is called tolerance. Once it is established, the immune system will not react against the body

Tonsil—a group of large lymphatic nodules embedded in the mucous membranes of the throat that participates in immune responses against inhaled or ingested foreign substances

Tonsil—a group of large lymphatic nodules embedded in the mucous membranes of the throat that participates in immune responses against inhaled or ingested foreign substances

Tonsillectomy—removal of the tonsils

Tonsillitis—inflammation of the tonsils

Tonsils—mass of lymph tissue in the back of the throat which produces lymphocytes

Tonsils—masses of lymph tissue in the throat near the back of the mouth (oropharynx)

Toxin—poison; a protein produced by certain bacteria, animals or plants

Transfer of immune cell—in bone marrow transplantation, T lymphocytes from a donor can replace a patient’s immune system with new cell that recognize tumor cells as foreign and kill them. It is a passive immunotherapy

Vaccination—exposures of an individual to a foreign protein that provokes an immune response. The response will destroy any cell that possesses the antigen on its surface and will protect against infection

Vaccination—Inoculation with a vaccine in order to protect against a particular disease.

Vaccine—these preparations contain antigens from a patient’s tumor cells that stimulate the patient’s own T cells to recognize and kill the cancerous cells. It may be injected or given as a nasal spray. This is an active immunotherapy. Weakened or killed microorganisms, toxins, or other proteins given to induce immunity to infection or disease

Viral load test—measurement of the amount of AIDS virus (HIV) in the bloodstream

Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia—another disorder of malignant B cells. It involves B cells to produce large quantities of IgM (a globin of high molecular weight), causing hyperviscosity syndrome (thickening of the blood)

Wasting syndrome—weight loss, decrease in muscular strength, appetite and mental activity; associated with AIDS

white pulp—the region of the spleen composed of lymphatic tissue, mostly B lymphocytes