5.2 Physiology of the Lymphatic System and Immunology Part 4 Flashcards
What do lymphocytes look like under the microscope?
large dark nucleus and little cytoplasm
What are B cells?
bone marrow derived cells
What is the B cells function?
its glycoprotein receptor will bind to a specific type of antigen
What is an antigen?
any molecule that can be specifically recognized as foreign by the immune system
When are B cells activated?
when an antigen binds to its receptor
What is a B cell called when it is activated?
plasma cell
What happens once a B cell is activated?
begins to rapidly devide and produces antibodies
What are antibodies known as?
immunoglobulins
What is an antibody?
soluble form of the glycoprotein receptor from the B cells surface
What are the categories of immunoglobulins?
IgG
IgE
IgD
IgM
IgA
What is the purpose of the antibody?
bind to the antigen to mark it as foreign and ready for destruction
What are memory B cells?
B cells that continue to produce a small amount of antibody even after the infection is over
What is the benefit of memory B cells?
produce a specific antibody much faster when a pathogen reenters the body
What is the humoral response?
antibody-mediated immunity
What are T cells?
thymus dependent cells