Acquired sensitivity –>
allergy
1. (Science: immunology) a state of hypersensitivity induced by exposure to a particular antigen (allergen) resulting in harmful immunologic reactions on subsequent exposures, the term is usually used to refer to hypersensitivity to an environmental antigen (atopic allergy or contact dermatitis) or to drug allergy.
The original meaning, now obsolete, included all states of altered immunologic reactivity, immunity as well as hypersensitivity. Gell and Coombs used the term allergic reaction to mean any harmful immunologic reaction causing tissue injury.
2. (Science: study) The medical specialty dealing with diagnosis and treatment of allergic disorders.
Dictionary > Acquired sensitivity
You will also like...
Protein Synthesis
Part of the genetic information is devoted to the synthesis of proteins. mRNA, a type of RNA, is produced as a transcri..
Biological Cell Defense
Organisms employ different strategies to boost its defenses against antigens. Humans have an immune system to combat pat..
The Human Physiology
Physiology is the study of how living organisms function. Thus, human physiology deals specifically with the physiologic..
Primitive Animals
Life, as we know it today, is presumed to have started in the sea and many of them were likely eukaryotic animal-like or..
Still Water Community Plants
This tutorial looks at the adaptations of freshwater plants for them to thrive in still water habitats. Familiarize your..
Sleep and Dreams – Neurology
While learning and intelligence are associated with the functions of a conscious mind, sleep and dreams are activities o..