Disease

Science

A physical or psychological dependence on a substance, like drugs

Addiction

A physical or psychological dependence on a substance, like drugs. Addiction. Addiction is when the brain relies on a substance, making it hard for a person to stop using it despite negative effects.

An addiction to drinking alcohol excessively

Alcoholism

An addiction to drinking alcohol excessively. Alcoholism. In science, alcoholism is a chronic disease where a person is unable to control their drinking despite harmful consequences.

A disorder where the immune system responds too strongly to a substance

Allergy

A disorder where the immune system responds too strongly to a substance. Allergy. An allergy is when your body's defense system overreacts to something harmless, like pollen or certain foods.

A chemical that kills bacteria and other microorganisms, or slows their growth

Antibiotic

A chemical that kills bacteria and other microorganisms, or slows their growth. Antibiotic It's a medicine that helps fight infections by killing bacteria or preventing them from multiplying.

A protein that destroys specific antigens, it is made by B cells

Antibody

A protein that destroys specific antigens, it is made by B cells. Antibody. Antibodies are proteins in your immune system that help protect your body by recognizing and neutralizing harmful invaders like viruses and bacteria.

A foreign substance that causes a reaction from the body’s immune system

Antigen

A foreign substance that causes a reaction from the bodys immune system. Antigen. An antigen is a molecule that triggers the body's immune response.

A natural or artificial substance that affects the body’s functions

Drug

A natural or artificial substance that affects the body's functions. Drug. A drug is a chemical that changes the way your body works.

The cells and tissues of the body that fight invading organisms

Immune system

The cells and tissues of the body that fight invading organisms. Immune system. The immune system is the body's defense network that helps protect against germs and illnesses.

The body’s resistance to disease

Immunity

The body's resistance to disease. Immunity. Immunity is the body's defense mechanism that helps fight off harmful invaders like viruses and bacteria.

A disease that is spread by pathogens, from an infected organism or the environment

Infectious disease

A disease that is spread by pathogens, from an infected organism or the environment. Infectious disease. It is an illness caused by microbes like bacteria, viruses, or fungi that can spread to others.

Physical or mental discomfort, like panic before a test or a pain from carrying heavy books

Mental stress

Physical or mental discomfort, like panic before a test or a pain from carrying heavy books. Mental stress. Mental stress is the brain's response to challenging situations, activating the body's fight-or-flight mechanisms.

A disease that is not spread from one person to another, like asthma and diabetes

Noninfectious disease

A disease that is not spread from one person to another, like asthma and diabetes, is called a noninfectious disease. Noninfectious diseases are medical conditions that are not caused by infectious agents and cannot be passed from person to person.

The process of heating food to a high temperature to kill bacteria

Pasteurization

The process of heating food to a high temperature to kill bacteria. Pasteurization is a method used to make food safe by briefly heating it to destroy harmful germs.

A disease-causing agent, like a bacteria, virus, or parasite

Pathogen

A disease-causing agent, like a bacteria, virus, or parasite. Pathogen. A pathogen is a tiny living thing that can make you sick.

A lymphocyte that identifies pathogens and attacks infected cells, it matures in the thymus

T cell

A lymphocyte that identifies pathogens and attacks infected cells, it matures in the thymus. T cell. T cells are immune cells that help protect the body by identifying and destroying infected or cancerous cells.

The injection of a mild pathogen into a body to produce immunity

Vaccination

The injection of a mild pathogen into a body to produce immunity. Vaccination. Vaccination is a way to teach your body how to fight diseases by introducing a safe version of the germ.

A substance made of weakened or dead pathogens, it gives the body immunity against disease

Vaccine

A substance made of weakened or dead pathogens, it gives the body immunity against disease. Vaccine. A vaccine teaches the immune system to recognize and fight specific diseases without causing the illness.