Keeping Healthy Flashcards
(20 cards)
Bacteria
Single-celled microorganisms with no nucleus.
Fungi
A group of organisms including mushrooms, toadstools and yeasts.
Virus
A tiny microorganism with a very simple structure that is reliant on using a cell’s machinery to reproduce.
Immune system
The body’s defence system against infections and diseases (consists of white blood cells and antibodies).
White blood cell
A type of cell in blood that fights infection.
Antibody
Produced by white blood cells to inactivate disease-causing microorganisms.
Antigen
A marker on the surface of a disease-causing microorganism
Natural immunity
To remain resistant or to be unaffected by a specific disease.
Side effect
A condition caused by taking medication, e.g. headache, nausea.
Mutation
A spontaneous change in the genetic code of a cell.
Antimicrobial
A chemical that kills bacteria, fungi and viruses
Clinical trial
The process of testing a medical treatment or medicine on human volunteers for safety and effectiveness.
Artery
A muscular blood vessel that carries blood away from the heart.
Vein
A blood vessel that carries blood towards the heart.
Capillary
.
A blood vessel that connects arteries to veins; where the exchange of materials takes place
Homeostasis
The maintenance of a constant internal environment.
Hormone
A regulatory substance that stimulates cells or tissues into action.
Anti-diuretic hormone (ADH)
.
A hormone that controls the concentration of urine
pituitary gland
.
The small gland at the base of the brain that produces hormones
Hypothalamus
The part of the brain responsible for maintaining homeostasis.
