Adrenal Glands

Small glands located on top of each of the kidneys.

Angina Pectoris

Occurs when the heart has insufficient supply of oxygen or inadequate removal of carbon dioxide and other waste products.

Atherosclerosis

Caused by deposits of cholesterol and other substances in the arterial walls which form plaques that narrow arteries.

Autoimmunity

Occurs when the body attacks the body's own tissue.

Blood Pressure

The force that blood exerts against the blood vessel walls.

Cardiovascular System

Comprises the heart, blood vessels, and blood and acts as the transport system of the body.

Catecholamines

Stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system prompts the secretion of two neurotransmitters, epinephrine, and norepinephrine.

Cell-Mediated Immunity

Involves T lymphocytes. Slower response.

Cerebellum

Coordinates voluntary muscle movement, the maintenance of balance and equilibrium, and the maintenance of muscle tone and posture.

Cerebral Cortex

The largest portion of the brain, involved in higher-order intelligence, memory, and personality.

Endocrine System

Complements the nervous system in controlling bodily activities.

Humoral Immunity

Is mediated by B lymphocytes. Fast acting response.

Hypothalamus

Helps regulate cardiac functioning, blood pressure, respiration, water balance, and appetites, including hunger and sexual desire.

Immunity

The body's resistance to invading organisms.

Ischemia

A condition characterized by lack of blood flow and oxygen to the heart muscle.

Kidney Dialysis

Helps the body get rid of its waste.

Lupus

Leads to chronic inflammation, producing pain, heat, redness, and swelling, and can be life-threatening when it attacks the connective tissue of the body's internal organs.

Lymphatic System

The drainage system of the body.

Medulla

Responsible for the regulation of heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration.

Myocardial Infarction (MI)

Heart attack, which results when a clot has developed in a coronary vessel and blocks the flow of blood to the heart.

Nervous System

A complex network of interconnected nerve fibers.

Neurotransmitters

Regulate nervous system functioning.

Nonspecific Immune Mechanisms

Are a general set of responses to any kind of infection or disorder.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

Controls the activities of organs under normal circumstances and acts antagonistically to the sympathetic nervous system.

Phagocytosis

The process by which certain white blood cells ingest microbes.

Pituitary Gland

Located at the base of the brain has two lobes.

Platelets

They clump together to block small holes that develop in blood vessels.

Pons

Serves as the link between the hindbrain and the midbrain and also helps control respiration.

Renal System

Consists of the kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder, and urethra.

Respiratory System

Brings in oxygen through inspiration; it eliminates carbon dioxide through expiration.

Specific Immune Mechanisms

Are always acquired after birth, fight particular microorganisms and their toxins.

Sympathetic Nervous System

Prepares the body to respond to emergencies, to strong emotions such as anger or fear, and to strenuous activity.

Thalamus

Involved in the recognition of sensory stimuli and the relay of sensory impulses to the cerebral cortex.