MicroJournal #13 - Dictionary

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) - an autoimmune disease that results in a chronic, systemic inflammatory disorder that may affect many tissues and organs, but principally attacks flexible (synovial) joints. It can be a disabling and painful condition, which can lead to substantial loss of functioning and mobility if not adequately treated.



Glomerulonephritis - Also known as glomerular nephritis (GN), occurs when immune complexes circulating in the bloodstream are deposited in the walls of the glomeruli, the minute blood vessels of the kidneys. Damage to the vessels can result in kidney failure as the glomeruli lose their ability to filter waste.



Asthma - a chronic hypersensitivity disorder affecting the lungs and characterized by constriction of the smooth muscle of the bronchi and excessive production of thick, sticky mucus. 



Systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus) is a disorder in which the individual produces autoantibodies against numerous antigens, including nucleic acids, resulting in a red rash, hemolytic anemia, bleeding disorders, and muscle inflammation.




DiGeorge anomaly results from a failure of the thymus to develop; thus, there are no T cells, and children generally die of viral infections.