Glossary

BioScience.com.pk try the best to avoid the use of medical terms that could make it more difficult to understand the information on this website. Still, there are a number of terms that can't be avoided and that are useful to know because they are so often used by the doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals with whom you might speak. The list below includes the terms used on BioScience.com.pk for which we have provided definitions.

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Term Definition
Latent

Condition or infectious agent that is present in the body but not causing symptoms and/or actively multiplying; the condition may progress from a latent to active form if the immune system of the patient is no longer able to hold the condition or infection in check.

Leukocytosis

 Increase in the number of white blood cells (WBC)

 

Leukopenia

Decrease in the number of white blood cells

Lipemic

Containing high levels of lipids or fats in the blood

Lipids

Any of a group of fats and fat-like substances, including oils, waxes, steroids, and triglycerides. Lipids are easily stored in the body, and triglycerides serve as a fuel source. Some (such as cholesterol and phospholipids) are an important constituent of cell structures and are involved in many biological functions. Lipids can combine with other compounds to form complexes, such as lipoproteins, phospholipids, and glycolipids.

Lipoprotein

Protein in the blood whose primary purpose is to transport cholesterol, tryglycerides, and other fats throughout the body

Lymphatic system

(also Lymph, Lymph tissue, Lymph node)

The extensive network of nodes, vessels, and ducts that collects lymph from tissues and carries it in one direction to the blood. Lymph is clear, watery fluid consisting of a number of substances including fat, protein and lymphocytes, the white blood cells that fight infections. Lymph and the lymphatic system serve to transport these substances, remove fluid and bacteria from tissues, and supply mature lymphocytes to the blood.

Lymphocyte

Leukocyte (white blood cell) that normally makes up about 25% of the total white blood cell count but can vary widely. Lymphocytes occur in two forms: B cells, which produce antibodies, and T cells, which recognize foreign substances and process them for removal.