Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

A small white blood cell (leukocyte) that plays a large role in defending the body against disease. Lymphocytes are responsible for immune responses. There are two main types of lymphocytes: B cells and T cells. The B cells make antibodies that attack bacteria and toxins while the T cells attack body cells themselves when they…

A part of the body’s immune system that helps protect it from bacteria and other foreign entities. Lymphatic tissue is rich in lymphocytes (and accessory cells such as macrophages and reticular cells). The lymphatic tissue includes the lymph nodes, spleen, tonsils, adenoids and the thymus (an organ in the chest that is particularly large during infancy). In medicine, a tissue is a broad term that…

A parasitic disease caused by the African eye worm, a microscopic thread-like worm. The adult worms can only live in the human lymph system. Lymphatic filariasis affects over 120 million people in the tropics and sub-tropics of Asia, Africa, Western Pacific, and parts of Central and South America. The disease spreads from person to person by mosquito bites. When…

Abnormally enlarged lymph nodes. Commonly called swollen glands.

The almost colorless fluid that travels through the lymphatic system, carrying cells that help fight infection and disease.

1. Left ventricular failure, failure of the left side of the heart.2. Left ventricular function, the function of the left ventricle. In both of these senses, LVF is in contrast to RVF (right ventricular failure or function).

Complete dislocation of a joint. A partial dislocation is a subluxation.

A gonadotropin (a hormone that affects the function of the sex organs) that is released by the pituitary gland in response to luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone. Abbrevi’ated LH. In females, LH controls the length and sequence of the female menstrual cycle, including ovulation, preparation of the uterus for implantation of a fertilized egg, and ovarian production of both estrogen and progesterone. In males, LH stimulates the testes…

Left upper quadrant (quarter). For example, the LUQ of the abdomen contains the spleen.

Lupus is a chronic inflammatory disease that is caused by autoimmunity. Patients with lupus have in their blood unusual antibodies that are targeted against their own body tissues. Lupus can cause disease of the skin, heart, lungs, kidneys, joints, and nervous system. The first symptom is a red (or dark), scaly rash on the nose and cheeks, often called a…