Infectious Diseases - Key terms
EXTRINSIC:
A term for a disease that is communicable or contagious and comes from outside the body. Compare with intrinsic.
GERM THEORY:
A theory in medicine, widely accepted today, that infections, contagious diseases, and other conditions are caused by the actions of microorganisms.
IMMUNE SYSTEM:
A network of organs, glands, and tissues that protects the body from foreign substances.
IMMUNITY:
The condition of being able to resist a specific disease, particularlythrough means that prevent the growth and development or counteract the effects of pathogens.
INFECTION:
A state or condition in which parasitic organisms attach themselves to the body or to the inside of the body of another organism, causing contamination and disease in the host.
INTRINSIC:
A term for a disease that is not communicable or contagious and comes from inside the body. Compare with extrinsic.
PATHOGEN:
A disease-carrying parasite, usually a microorganism.
STD:
Sexually transmitted disease.
VECTOR:
An organism, such as aninsect, that transmits a pathogen to the body of a host.