Chapter 7 - Dealing with disease Flashcards
afferent lymphatic vessel
thin-walled structures that collect lymph from the tissues of the body and deliver it to lymph nodes
agglutination
the clumping of particles together. In the immune system, antibodies can help clump pathogens together
allergen
a non-pathogenic antigen that triggers an allergic reaction
allergic reaction
an overreaction of the immune system to a non-pathogenic antigen
antibody
a protein produced by plasma cells during the adaptive immune response that is specific to an antigen and combats pathogens in a variety of ways. Also known as immunoglobulin
antigen-antibody complex
a structure formed by the complementary binding between antigen and antibody molecules
antigen-presenting cell
a subgroup of phagocytes that display the antigens from consumed pathogens on their surface and interact with the adaptive immune system
antigen
any molecule that may trigger an immune response
apoptosis
the controlled death of cells in the body. Also known as programmed cell death
autoimmune disease
a disease in which an individual’s immune system initiates an immune response against their own cells
B lymphocyte
a type of lymphocyte that plays an important role in humoral immunity and differentiates into plasma cells and B memory cells
B memory cell
a differentiated B lymphocyte that is responsible for providing long-lasting immunological memory of an antigen
bone marrow
semi-solid tissue found within bones. Serves as the primary site of the creation of red blood cells and leukocytes
cell-mediated immunity
an adaptive immune response in which infected or abnormal cells are destroyed by cytotoxic T cells. Also known as T cell immunity
cellular pathogen
a pathogen that has a cellular structure and exhibits the processes of a living organism. Examples include bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and parasites
chemical barrier
a component of the first line of defence that features the use of enzymes, toxins, and acids to protect against pathogen invasion
chemotaxis
the attraction of phagocytes towards a pathogen
cilium (pl. cilia)
thin, hair-like projection that protrudes from eukaryotic cells
circulatory system
a collection of tissues and organs involved in the transportation of substances around the body. Composed of the lymphatic and cardiovascular systems
clonal expansion
the process in which many copies of a lymphocyte are generated
clonal selection
the process in which B and T cells encounter an antigen that matches their antigen-binding site, and then generate many copies of themselves
complement cascade
a complex sequence of events which occurs after the activation of complement proteins
complement proteins
a number of different types of proteins found in the blood that opsonise, cause lysis, and attract phagocytes to invading pathogens
cuticle
a waxy protective film covering the surface of a plant leaf