Chapter 16 Flashcards
Ciliary escalator
A mechanism in the respiratory tract where cilia move mucus (and trapped particles like microbes) upward toward the throat to be swallowed or expelled, helping keep the airways clear of pathogens.
M Cells
Specialized cells found in the mucosal lining of the intestine that transport antigens from the gut lumen to immune cells, playing a key role in mucosal immunity.
Chemotaxis
The movement of cells, especially immune cells, toward the site of infection or injury in response to chemical signals like cytokines and chemokines.
Inflammation
A non-specific immune response to infection or injury, characterized by redness, heat, swelling, and pain, aimed at eliminating pathogens and initiating tissue repair.
Sebum
An oily substance secreted by sebaceous glands in the skin, which helps inhibit microbial growth due to its acidic pH and antimicrobial properties.
Vasodilation
The widening of blood vessels, increasing blood flow to injured or infected areas, contributing to redness and heat during inflammation.
Edema
Swelling caused by fluid accumulation in tissues, often due to increased blood vessel permeability during inflammation.
Prostaglandin
Lipid compounds involved in the inflammatory response that enhance vasodilation, increase permeability, and sensitize pain receptors.
Phagocyte
A type of immune cell (like neutrophils, macrophages, and dendritic cells) that engulfs and digests pathogens and debris through phagocytosis.
Acetylsalicylic Acid
Also known as aspirin, a drug that reduces inflammation, fever, and pain by inhibiting prostaglandin production
Margination
The process where white blood cells (like neutrophils) stick to the walls of blood vessels near the site of infection or injury.
Diapedesis
The movement of white blood cells through the walls of blood vessels into surrounding tissues to reach the site of infection or injury.
Leukocyte
A general term for white blood cells, which play various roles in the immune response, including fighting infections and producing antibodies.
Cytolysis
The destruction of cells by rupturing their membranes, often mediated by immune mechanisms like the complement system
Opsonization
A process where pathogens are coated with molecules like antibodies or complement proteins, making them easier for phagocytes to recognize and engulf
Protease
Enzymes that break down proteins, often involved in immune responses, tissue remodeling, and pathogen destruction
Stratum Corneum
The outermost layer of skin, made of dead, keratinized cells that form a tough, protective barrier against microbial invasion
Lysozyme
An enzyme found in bodily secretions (tears and saliva) that breaks down bacterial cell walls, providing antimicrobial protection
Kinins (bradykinin)
Inflammatory mediators that promote vasodilation, increase vascular permeability, and trigger pain sensations
Defensins
Small antimicrobial peptides produced by epithelial cells and immune cells that disrupt microbial membranes, helping to eliminate infections
What is the C5 activation complex?
C4bC2aC3b
What is the C3b activation complex?
C4bC2a
Which one causes inflammation?
C3a
C5a
chemotaxis
What is the strongest chemotactic agent for leukocytes?
C5a
What is part of the Specific Immune Response?
Classical Complement System
In the alternative complex system, what is the C3 activation complex?
c3bBbP
What are the three purposes of the complement system?
opsonization, cytolysis, inflammation
When Thymocytes run into an antigen, what will occur?
Nothing
How do T-cells distinguish between self and non-self?
Thymus; the place of a T-cell maturation
What binds to MHC class 2?
T-helper cells
What binds to MHC class 1?
Tcytotoxic cells
IgM
Pentamer
5 units held together by disulfide bonds
First immunoglobulin class produced in a primary response to an antigen
IgG
Most abundant isotype in serum
Cross placenta
IgE
Hypersensitivity
Mast cells
Parasitic response
What is the strongest type of vaccine?
Attenuated
What is the riskiest type of vaccine?
Attenuated
What is the safest vaccine?
Subunit
What is the main function of T-helper cells?
To coordinate the immune response, turns on interleukin 2
