Ch 7 Dealing with Disease Flashcards
pathogen
An agent that causes disease.
antigen
Any molecule that may trigger an immune response.
non-self antigen
A molecule from outside the body that is recognised by the immune system and initiates an immune response. Also known as a foreign antigen.
major histocompatibility complex (MHC) markers
A group of proteins present on the surface of all self-cells that enables the immune system to distinguish it from non-self material. Also known as MHC proteins, MHC molecules, or self-antigens.
major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC Class I) markers
Expressed on all nucleated cells in the body. These mark cells as ‘self’ so that the immune system doesn’t attack them.
major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC Class II) markers
Expressed on antigen- presenting cells, which interact with T helper cells in the process of antigen-presentation.
autoimmune disease
A disease in which an individual’s immune system initiates an immune response against their own cells.
allergen
A non-pathogenic antigen that triggers an allergic reaction.
allergic reaction
An overreaction of the immune system to a non- pathogenic antigen.
cellular pathogen
A pathogen that has a cellular structure and exhibits the processes of a living organism. Examples include bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and parasites.
non-cellular pathogen
A pathogen that neither has a cellular structure nor exhibits the processes of a living organism. Examples include viruses and prions.
lysis
The disintegration or rupturing of a cell.
hyphae
Branching filaments of a fungus which help absorb nutrients from the environment.
parasite
An organism that lives in or on another organism, usually deriving nutrition from the host organism.
innate immune system
A component of the immune system that is composed of generalised and non-specific defences and/or responses to pathogens. Also known as the non-specific immune system.
first line of defence
A component of the innate immune system characterised by the presence
of physical, chemical, and microbiological barriers to keep pathogens out of the host organism.
second line of defence
A component of the innate immune system characterised by the non- specific response to injury and/or pathogens by a variety of cells and molecules.
non-specific
Describes a component of the immune system that responds the same way to all pathogens.
physical barrier
A component of the first line of defence that features solid or fluid obstacles that block pathogen entry such as skin or mucus.
chemical barrier
A component of the first line of defence that features the use of enzymes, toxins, and acids to protect against pathogen invasion.
cuticle
A waxy protective film covering the surface of a plant leaf.
gall
An abnormal outgrowth of tissue in plants designed to limit the spread of an invading pathogen.
trichomes
Small hairs on the surface of plants used to deter pathogens and/or insects.
stoma (pl. stomata)
A small pore on the leaf’s surface that opens and closes to regulate gas exchange.
microbiological barrier
A component of the first line of defence in which the presence of normal flora limits the growth of pathogenic bacteria. Also known as microbiota barrier.
cilium (pl. cilia)
Thin, hair-like projection that protrudes from eukaryotic cells.
flora
Naturally occurring, non- pathogenic bacteria present in an organism.
leukocytes
A group of blood cells responsible for protecting the body against pathogens and foreign material. Also known as white blood cells.
phagocyte
A group of leukocytes responsible for the endocytosis and destruction of pathogens, foreign material, and cell debris.
neutrophil
The most common type of leukocyte in the body. Engages in phagocytosis of pathogens and foreign material, as well as the release of cytokines.
macrophage
A type of leukocyte found throughout the body that engages in phagocytosis and antigen presentation.
dendritic cell
A type of leukocyte that engages in phagocytosis and antigen presentation.
antigen-presenting cell
A subgroup of phagocytes that display antigens from consumed pathogens on their surface and interact with the adaptive immune system. Also known as professional antigen-presenting cell.
cytokine
A signalling molecule released by cells (typically in the immune system) which aids in communication between immune cells and helps protect against pathogens.
natural killer (NK) cell
A type of leukocyte responsible for the recognition and destruction of damaged and/or infected host cells.