Allergies and Anaphylaxis Vocabulary Flashcards
Hymenoptera
Any of an order of highly specialized insects such as bees and wasps.
Immune system
The body system responsible for combating infection
Immune Response
Complex cascade of events within the body that works toward the destruction or inactivation of pathogens, abnormal cells, or foreign molecules.
Pathogen
A disease-produccing agent of invading substance
Toxin
Any poisonous chemical secrete by bacteria or released following destruction of the bacteria.
Cellular Immunity
Immunity resulting from direct attack of a foreign substance by specialized cells of the immune system.
Humoral Immunity
Immunity resulting from attack of an invading substance by antibodies
Antibody
Principal agent of a chemical attack of an invading substance
Immunoglobulin
Alternative term for antibody
Antigen
Any substance that is capable, under appropriate conditions, of inducing a specific immune response.
Primary resonse
Initial, generalized response to an antigen
Secondary response
Resigns by the immune system that takes place if the body is exposed to the same antigen again; in secondary response, antibodies specific for the offending antigen are released.
Natural immunity
Genetically predetermined immunity that is present at birth; also called innate immunity.
Acquired immunity
Immunity that develops over time and results from exposure to an antigen.
Naturally acquired immunity
Immunity that begins to develop after the birth and is continually enhanced by exposure to new pathogens and antigens throughout life.