Chapter 9 - The immune System

Question 1

Immunity

Answer 1

The state of having sufficient recourses to resist harmful microbes from entering the body. Specific and non-specific compenents

Question 2

Non-specific components

Answer 2

Act as either barriers or as eliminators of a wide range of pathogens

Question 3

specific components

Answer 3

Other components of the immune system adapt themselves to each new disease encountered and are able to generate pathogen specific immunity

Question 4

Pathogen

Answer 4

Anything that causes a disease

Question 5

Non-specific immunity

Answer 5

Aka innate immunity - the defence system with which you were born. Ex. Cough reflex, enzymes in tears and skin oils, mucus

Question 6

Specific Immunity

Answer 6

Adaptive or acquired immunity - is immunity that develops with exposure to various antigens. your immune system builds a defence that is specific to that antigen

Question 7

APCs

Answer 7

Antigen-presenting cells are a group of immune cells that mediate the immune response by processing and presenting antigens for recognition by certain immune cells. APCs include dendritic cells and macrophages - they act as messengers between the innate and adaptive immune system

Question 8

Messengers between innate and adaptive immune systems

Answer 8

Dendritic cells and macrophages

Question 9

Latent period

Answer 9

The interval between exposure to an infectious organism or a carcinogen and the clinical appearance of disease

Question 10

Lymphocytes

Answer 10

A type of white blood cells. There are T and B type lymphocytes

Question 11

B cells

Answer 11

Produce antibodies.

Question 12

antibodies

Answer 12

Attach to a specific antigen and make it easier for the immune system to destroy the antigen

Question 13

T cells

Answer 13

Attack antigens directly and help control the immune response. They also release chemicals known as cytokines which control the entire immune response

Question 14

Cytokines

Answer 14

Control the entire immune response. Released by T cells

Question 15

Passive immunity

Answer 15

Is due to antibodies that are produced in a body other than your own. (Infants have antibodies transferred from mother, disappear between 6-12 months). Can be injected, provides immediate protection but not long lasting protection

Question 16

Immune system memory (activated B cells and sensitized T cells)

Answer 16

Small doses of antigen (dead or weakened live viruses) are given to activate immune system memory. This allows your body to react quickly and efficiently to future exposure.

Question 17

Antigen (Ag)

Answer 17

Any substance (foreign to the body) that evokes an immune response. Antigens are proteins that are found on the surface of the pathogen. Antigens are unique to that pathogen

Question 18

Histamine

Answer 18

Released when tissues are injured by bacteria, trauma, toxins or any other cause and then the damage cells release chemicals including histamine. These chemicals cause blood vessels to leak fluid into the tissues causing swelling and attract phagocytes (that eat microorganisms and dead or damaged cells - phagocytosis. Phagocytes eventually die.

Question 19

Pus

Answer 19

Formed from a collection of dead tissue, dead bacteria and live and dead phagocytes

Question 20

Allergy

Answer 20

Is an exaggerated immune response to substances that are generally not harmful

Question 21

Anaphylaxis

Answer 21

A severe, whole body reaction to a chemical that has become an allergen

Question 22

Histamine

Answer 22

Released by tissues in different parts of the body -causes the airways to tighten and lead to other symptoms

Question 23

Tonsil

Answer 23

Prominent oval mass of lymphoid tissue on each side of the throat

Question 24

Spleen

Answer 24

Largest lymphoid structure; destroys worn out red blood cells; reservoir for blood (sympathetic NS - ready to release if needed)

Question 25

Thymus

Answer 25

Ductless, butterfly-shaped gland lying behind the sternum, formed mostly of lymphatic tissue that aids in the production of T cells. After puberty, the tissue gradually degenerates

Question 26

lymph nodes

Answer 26

Act as traps for foreign particles and contain white blood cells; get inflamed or enlarged in various conditions including infections and cancer.