Allocation

the strategic assignment of available resources, such as time, budget, or inventory, to maximize efficiency and meet organizational goals effectively

Allograft

a transplant of tissue or an organ from one individual to another within the same species, but who is not an identical twin

Blood Vessels

the tube-like channels that form a network throughout the body, carrying blood and essential substances like oxygen and nutrients to tissues and organs, while also removing waste products

Brain Death

the irreversible and complete cessation of all brain function, including the brainstem, meaning the person will not regain consciousness or breathe without support, and is legally considered death.

Circulatory Death

the irreversible cessation of all circulatory and respiratory functions, meaning the heart stops beating and circulation and oxygenation to the tissues permanently cease

Connective Tissue

the structural and functional integrity of the various tissues that connect, support, and bind other tissues and organs in the body

Cross-Matching

a test that checks for compatibility between a donor's blood or organ and a recipient's blood by mixing samples to detect any harmful reactions

Deceased Donor

someone who has died and whose organs or tissues are donated for transplantation after death, either after brain death or cardiac death, after permission has been given

Donor Registry

a confidential electronic database where individuals can record their wish to be an organ, eye, and tissue donor

Human Leukocyte Antigens (HLA)

molecules found on the surface of most cells that play a crucial role in the body's immune response, distinguishing "self" from "non-self"

Immunosuppressive Drugs

medications used to suppress or reduce the activity of the immune system, often to prevent organ transplant rejection or treat autoimmune diseases

Living Donor

a healthy person who donates an organ or part of an organ (like a kidney or part of a liver) to someone in need of a transplant while they are still alive

National Organ Transplant Act (NOTA)

established a framework for a national organ recovery and allocation system, including the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN), and criminalized the sale of human organs.

Organ Donation

the process of taking healthy organs and tissues from one person to give to someone else who needs a transplant to save or improve their life

Organ Preservation

the techniques and strategies used to maintain the viability and function of organs outside the body, from the time of retrieval from a donor until transplantation into a recipient, thereby maximizing the chances of successful transplantation

Organ Procurement

the surgical removal of organs or tissues from a deceased or living donor for transplantation into another person

Organ Viability

the capacity of an organ to survive and function outside the body for a sufficient period to allow for transplantation

Recipient

an individual who receives medical care, treatment, or biological material

Rejection

the body's immune system attacking transplanted cells, tissues, or organs, viewing them as foreign and harmful

Tendons

tough, flexible, rope-like tissues that connect muscles to bones, enabling movement and providing stability

Tissue

a collection of specialized cells that work together to perform a specific function in the body

Transplant Center

a facility where organ transplants are performed, and it's considered a specialized unit within a hospital, requiring specific personnel and adherence to regulations

Waiting List

a queue of patients needing a service that's in short supply, serving as a formal record and a tool for planning and resource allocation, ensuring no patient is overlooked