13 Exercise and Immunity Flashcards
what is a pathogen
Any organism or substance capable of causing diseases
State the function of the
immune system.
The immune system protects the body from infectious disease. It is involved in tissue repair and protection against potential pathogens.
Characteristics of the INNATE IMMUNE SYSTEM
Quick response
First line of defense
More primitive, it targets everything perceived to be a foreign threat
Non-specific immune system / In-born immune system
Does not provide long-lasting immunity to the host
Characteristics of the ADAPTIVE IMMUNE SYSTEM
Delayed response
Second line of defense
More complex, it targets specific threats that it recalls from past memory
Specific immune system / Acquired immune system
Creates immunological memory after an initial response to a specific pathogen
What are the three mechanisms the body uses in response to damage or an infectious agent?
Physical:
Chemical:
Leucocytes:
Outline the physical barriers, which make up part of the innate immune system
Skin is the physical barrier between inside and outside of the body.
Tears in the eyes; mucous membranes; mucus secretions that trap and rinse away pathogens; and cilia in the nasal passages and respiratory tract
Epithelial surfaces, such as the linings of the lungs and stomach.
Eyelashes and other body hair.
Outline the chemical barriers of the innate immune system
Low pH of the stomach, which inhibits the growth of pathogens.
urination
Tears: contain lysozymes (an enzyme that destroys bacteria on eyes)
Salivary enzymes
Vaginal secretions
Hormones
Difference Between Leukocytes and Lymphocytes
leukocyte is a term for all WHITE blood cells that fight off diseases. Leukocytes are part of the innate immune system. Responds to Inflammation, Clotting, and lymphocyte and antibody production.
While lymphocytes are a type of white blood cells too (leukocytes) but, are part of the adaptive immune system. Therefore are targeted to specific pathogens. Examples are T cells and B cells
What are the 4 different T cells
Helper T cells
Cytotoxic T cells (killer T cells)
Suppressor T cells
memory T cells
Training affects the immune system in the following way.
I. An intense bout of exercise (not prolonged) will stimulate the immune system resulting in an increase in leukocytes
II. If training is intense & prolonged the immune system will produce less leukocytes than a sedentary person.
III. Training does not affect the immune system at all, this is regulated by diet, and exposure or non-exposure to infections.
A. I and II only
B. I and III only
C. II and III only
D. I, II and III
A.
I and II only
Describe strategies for minimizing risk from infection among athletes
- Incorporation of sufficient recovery time into training programmes.
- Avoid close contact with people with infections. Maintain oral hygiene.
- Maintain hydration status.
- Ensure water is pathogen-free.
- Maintain good personal hygiene (for example, washing hands, avoiding hand-to mouth contact).
- Maintain a suitable and varied diet. Ensure sufficient sleep.
Outline the mechanisms the body uses in response to damage or an infectious agent.
Physical: skin, epithelial linings, mucosal secretions
Chemical: pH of bodily fluids, hormones and other soluble factors
Leucocytes: white blood cells that fight disease
Inflammation
Clotting
Lymphocyte and antibody production
Describe the effects of intense and long-term training on the immune system.
Intense short durations of exercise cause tissue damage and increases in leucocytes. (dependent on the duration and intensity of exercise)
When training loads are high and prolonged:
- Decrease in innate and adaptive immune function
- Cortisol and adrenaline suppress the immune system
- Leucocyte numbers drop compared to sedentary people
High load and long training = decrease in leucocytes
Short intense = increase in leucocytes
