Chap 22 Flashcards
What is the role of excess interstitial fluid in the body?
Returned to the bloodstream via the lymphatic system to prevent tissue swelling (edema)
Excess interstitial fluid helps maintain fluid balance and prevents complications from swelling.
What constitutes the first line of defense in the immune system?
Intact skin and mucous membranes, acting as physical and chemical barriers to pathogens
This line of defense is crucial for preventing pathogens from entering the body.
What does the second line of defense in the immune system include?
Non-specific immune responses such as:
* Complement proteins
* Natural Killer (NK) cells
* Interferons
Each component plays a vital role in enhancing the body’s response to infections.
What is the function of complement proteins?
Enhance phagocytosis and destroy pathogens
Complement proteins are part of the immune system that helps clear pathogens from an organism.
How do Natural Killer (NK) cells function?
Kill infected or cancerous cells
NK cells are a type of lymphocyte crucial for the innate immune response.
What are interferons and their role in the immune response?
Proteins that interfere with viral replication
Interferons are signaling proteins that help protect cells from viral infections.
What are cytotoxic T-cells responsible for?
Directly attack and destroy infected or cancerous cells by releasing enzymes that induce cell death
Cytotoxic T-cells are a key component of the adaptive immune response.
What are the signs and symptoms of the inflammatory response?
Redness, swelling, heat, and pain
These symptoms are indicative of the body’s effort to contain and eliminate pathogens.
What is the function of the inflammatory response?
Helps contain and destroy pathogens and promotes tissue repair
This response is essential for healing and recovery from injury or infection.
What is involved in antigen presentation?
Antigen-presenting cells (APCs) such as macrophages, dendritic cells, and B-cells
APCs play a critical role in activating T-cells to initiate an immune response.
What is the process of antigen presentation?
Antigen is broken into fragments and displayed on MHC (Major Histocompatibility Complex) proteins on the cell surface
This process is crucial for T-cell activation and subsequent immune response.
True or False: The first line of defense is primarily non-specific.
False
The first line of defense consists of specific physical and chemical barriers.
