| Immunology is the medical specialty
concerned with immunity and all aspects of the body's ability to resist
infection and diseases caused by pathogens (disease-causing organisms,
which are usually micro-organisms).
Examples of disease-causing organisms
include
viruses, bacteria, protozoa or even larger parasites.
In addition,
the subject of immunology is further complicated by the fact that human
individuals also develop immune responses against our own proteins
(and other molecules) in autoimmunity
and against
our
own
aberrant
cells
in
tumor
immunity. This type of immune response is also included in the subject
area of immunology. Associated Terms:
* _ The adjective used
to refer to immunology is
"immunological".
Links to other relevant areas on this website include:
* _ As some types of blood
cells have important functions for the body's immune system, the glossary
section about the
structure of blood may be of general interest.
* _ Glossary Section for
General
Medical Terms.
This part of the IvyRose Holistic Resources Glossary is included as a
study-aid for students following first-level courses in human biology,
medicine, nursing, natural or holistic therapies, and associated theoretical
courses - who are required recognise and understand medical terms such
as those of the disciplines within medicine. |
