ACE - Angiotensin-covering enzyme.

Alveoli - The tiny sac-like air spaces in lung where carbon dioxide and oxygen are exchanged.

Alveolitis - Inflammation of the alveoli.

Anergy - Absence of immune response to particular substances.

Berylliosis - A lung disease resulting from exposure to beryllium metal.

Bronchoscope - A long, narrow tube with a light at the end that is used by the doctor for direct observation of the airways, as well as for suction of tissue and other materials.

Dyspnea - Shortness of breath.

Enzyme - Substance, made by living cells, that causes specific chemical changes.

Erythema nodosum - Red bumps that trend to appear on the face, arms, and shins.

Fibrotic tissue - Inflamed tissue that has become scarred.

Granulomas - Small lumps in tissues caused by inflammation.

Inflammation - A basic response of the body to injury, usually showing up in skin redness, warmth, swelling, and pain.

Lavage - To wash out a body organ.

Lymph nodes - Small, bean-shaped organs of the immune system distributed throughout the body tissue.

Lymphoma - Cancer of the lymph nodes.

PFT - Pulmonary function test.

Pneumonitis - A disease caused by inhaling a wide variety of substances such as dusts and molds. Also called "farmer's disease".

Sclera - Outer coat of the eyeball.

NIH Publication No. 95-3093
Reprinted July 1995