Body Systems: Circulatory/Immune Systems (Malfunctions Of The Immune System)

Question 1

Malfunctions of the immune system:

Answer 1

-abnormal functioning of the immune system can cause 2 types of problems.
-inappropriate or exaggerated response against non-threatening agents (allergies, autoimmune disorders).
-(too much immunity or too weak of an immune system).

Question 2

Anaphylactic reaction:

Answer 2

-severe allergic reaction accompanied by swelling, hives, itching.
-involves both respiratory and circulatory systems.
-when you ingest something to which you are allergic, excessive histamine produced by basophils (WBC’s) increase permeability of capillaries, increasing reddening of area.
-excessive fluid build up in tissues increase swelling.
-swelling of tongue/throat can result in death.

Question 3

Immunodeficiency:

Answer 3

-weakened immune system, allows infections and other health problems to occur more easily, makes people less likely to survive diseases.

Question 4

What is a stem cell?

Answer 4

-they are said to be pluripotent cells meaning they can give rise to different types of body cells.
-these cells could be used to replace destroyed cells all over the body, repair damaged cartilage, repair cardiac tissue, ect.
-No rejection of the tissue if we take it from the persons own body tissue or if we take it from an embryo that hasn’t developed antigens yet.

Question 5

Autoimmune disorders:

Answer 5

-immune system makes a mistake and launches an attack on your body’s own cells.
-may be due to mutated T-cells and B-cells attacking body and/or failure or the suppressor T-cells.
-some drugs or serious infections can weaken the suppressor T-cells, leaving the body vulnerable to autoimmune diseases.

Question 6

HIV/AIDS:

Answer 6

-acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS): caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
-discovered in 1983.
-specifically targets and kills helper T-cells, thereby preventing your immune system from working properly.
-the HIV virus itself therefore doesn’t kill you, it cripples your immune system.

Question 7

Rheumatoid arthritis:

Answer 7

-chronic autoimmune disorder.
-most common between the ages of 25-50.
-body’s own immune system attacks the joints.
-symptoms include:
•pain, stiffness, swelling.
•fever, fatigue.
•decreased appetite.
-treatment:
•non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). <— preventing inflammation.
•steroids.

Question 8

Type 1 diabetes:

Answer 8

-immune system destroys its own insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
-insulin is the hormone responsible for controlling glucose in your blood.
-symptoms:
•increased thirst, frequent urination.
•extreme hunger, weight loss.
-treatment:
•insulin shots.
•research into training WBC to distinguish self from non self cells.

Question 9

Allergies:

Answer 9

-immune system mistakes harmless antigens for harmful invaders.
-immune response to these antigens can be so severe that it becomes life threatening.
-can be an immediate reaction or delayed.

Question 10

Immediate allergic reaction:

Answer 10

-occurs within seconds of exposure, usually disappears within 30 min.
-specialized antibodies trigger the release of histamines which causes the following symptoms:
•swollen.
•red.
•itchy.
•running nose/watery eyes.

Question 11

Asthma (immunity):

Answer 11

-chronic condition.
-a reaction to allergens that are inhaled.
-triggers a massive release of histamines.
-causes swelling of bronchioles and constriction of airways.