Glossary

B

B-lymphocytes

small white blood cells

E

epidemiology

Epidemiology is the study of the incidence and distribution of diseases and health disorders in populations and the associated causes.

eosinophil granulocytes

defense cells

etiology

Etiology is the study of the causes of diseases.

extranodal

outside the lymph nodes

H

histology

Histology is the study of the microscopic anatomy of biological tissues.

I

intraossary

within the bone

L

lymphocytes

Lymphocytes are a subgroup of leucocytes. Their main function is to defend the body against foreign matter, particularly infectious agents. However, they may also target the body’s own cells such as tumor cells (changed cells).

M

macrophages

scavenger cells

mediastinal tumors

benign or malignant space-occupying mass localized in the mediastinum (in the middle of the chest cavity)

morphology

Morphology is the study of the form and structure of organisms and their organs.

N

neoplastic

Neoplastic means “newly grown” and is often used to describe an abnormal growth of cells or tissues.

P

Peyer plaques

Peyer plaques are adjacent accumulations of 10 to 50 lymph follicles. They occur in the whole small intestine, but most frequently in the lower small intestine and the appendix.

S

secondary malignancies

secondary tumors

T

thorax

chest

W

Waldeyer’s tonsillar ring

The Waldeyer’s tonsillar ring is an accumulation of lymphoid tissue in the oral and nasal cavities and the pharyngeal area.