Ch 2 L 1: The Immune System Flashcards
What is the function of the immune system?
protects the body form “not self” entities, such as infections and bacteria
what is the “Terrain Theory”?
the idea that the internal strength of the individual will protect (or fail to protect) them from disease
What is “Germ Theory”?
the idea that disease is caused ONLY by germs, with no other factors playing a part.
How can stress negatively impact overall health and the immune system?
Stress releases chemicals that oxidate the blood, leading to damage to the blood vessels. This damage can result in high cholesterol and and increased risk of heart diseases.
What is a pathogen?
a disease-causing oarganism
What is a microbe?
a microscopic pathogen
Give at least two examples of microbes.
Bacteria
Fungus
Protozoa
Virus
What is an antigen?
any foreign substance that triggers an immune response
Are all pathogens types of antigens?
Yep
Are all antigens types of pathogens?
nope, nope, nope!
Name at least two examples of immune system failure.
Autoimmune
Allergies
Immunodeficiency
If the immune system is attacking the body, this is called…
Auto immune
If the immune system is over reacting to simple antigens (such as pollen, dust, etc.) this is…
Allergies
If the immune system is failing to respod at all, this is…
Immunodeficiency
What is an immune respnse?
How the body recognizes, responds to, and defends against a pathogen
What is innate immunity?
non-specific defenses present from birth, including cough reflex, tears and saliva
What is acquired immunity?
After the immune system “meets” a pathogen for the first time, it “remembers” how to fight the pathogen, so that it can “kill” it quicker and more efficiently the next time they meet.
What is passive immunity?
Antibodies introduced from another organism or individual, such as antibodies passed along in mother’s milk during nursing.
Name at least three components of the external immune system.
Skin Tears Mucus Saliva Stomach acid Langerhans Cells
How does the internal immune system respond to pathogens?
Works to identify the pathogen and organize a coordinated attaqck to suppress, contain and/or destroy the pathogen.
What is the function of the lymph system?
remove waste, toxins and pathogens by “sweeping” the body and carrying the nasty stuff to lymph nodes for filtration. FUN FACT: they swell during a bacterial infection!
What is the function of the spleen?
a super large lymph node, it filters blood and scrubs down antibody coated bacteria. FUN FACT: Contains 50% of the body’s monocyte population!
what is the function of bone marrow?
the home of leukocyte production.
… what is a leukocyte?
white blood cells (the SEAL Team 6 of the immune system!)
Name three types of Leukocytes.
Granulocytes
Phagocytes
Lymphocytes
What do granulocytes do?
respond to chemicals from inflammation, parasites, allergies and pathogens
name three types of granulocytes.
Neutrophils
Basophils
Eosinophils
What do phagocytes do?
Eat and dispose of pathogens, dead cellular debris, and when needed, use chemical signals to call for more reinforcements.
What do lymphocytes do?
retain the “pthogen record” to help the body fight better the next time a given pathogen is encountered.
Name two types of lymphocytes.
T-cells
B-cells
Name at least two things that B-cells will respond to.
Bacteria
Exposed viruses
Antigens
What do B-cells do?
Respond to a variety of pathogens, and produce increased amounts of antibodies to neutralize “foreign objects”.
Name at least two things that T-cells respond to.
Viruses Infected cells Fungi SOME bacteria The Self Transplants
What do T-cells do?
Cell-to-cell interactions
Cause pathogen infected cells to die (Zombie Hunters)
What are antibodies?
large proteins that identify and neutralize bacteria and viruses
What does the thymus gland do?
Produces T-cells in utero, and identifies and destroy corrupt T-cells, while replicating the healthy happy T-cells.
Name at least three immunomodulating botanicals.
Ginseng Licorice Shiitake Reishi Eleuthero
Name at least three immune stimulating botanicals.
Astragalus Echinacea Garlic Prickly Ash Andrographis
Give at least three functions of ginseng.
CNS stimulant
Adaptogen
Restores and strengthens immune system
Increases life span and growth of healthy cells
What is the function of ginseng, in traditional Chinese medicine?
Tones the qi
Beneficial to stomach and lungs
What is the average adult dosage and preparation for ginseng decoction?
Preparation: 1.5 ts. dried root:8 oz. (1 c.) water, decocted for 15 minutes and strained.
Dose: 1 cup (8 oz.) three times a day
What part of ginseng is used?
roots
What is the average adult dosage and preparation of ginseng tincture?
Preparation: 1 dried ginseng:5 60% alcohol
Dose: 1-2 mL three times a day
What is the scientific name of ginseng?
Panax ginseng
What part of licorice is used?
root
what is the scientific name of licorice?
Glycyrrhiza glabra
When is licorice root contraindicated?
Pre-existing high blood pressure, heart disease, liver disease, kidney disease, diabetes, and pregnancy
Why is licorice root contraindicated for certain pre-existing conditions?
Contains glycyrrhin, which can cause a drop in potassium concentrations, leading to increased blood pressure, weakness, and congestive heart failure.
I really want to use licorice root, but I have one of the contraindicated conditions… Can I still use it?
YES! Just makes sure to use a deglycyrrhizinated root extract- that is safe to use!
Name at least three actions of Licorice.
Anti-spasmodic Laxative Anti-inflammatory Demulcent Expectorant
What are some of the benefits of licorice?
antihepatotoxin
Reduces gastric irritation
supports lung health
What is the benefit of the glycyrrhizin?
increases the production of hydrocortizone, thereby decreasing inflammation, by stimulating the adrenal cortex
What are the average adult dosage and decoction ratios for licorice?
Ratio- 0.5-1 tsp dried licorice: 8 oz. water, decocted 15 minutes and strained
Dose: 8 oz. (1 cup) three times per day
what is the average adult dosage and preparation ratio for licorice tincture?
ratio- 1:5 40% alcohol
Dose: 1-3 mL 3x/day
