Dealing with disease + Immunity Flashcards

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1
Q

Pathogen

A

An agent that causes disease

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2
Q

Antigen

A

Any molecule that may trigger an immune response

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3
Q

Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) markers

A

A group of proteins present on the surface of all self-cells that enables the immune system to distinguish it from non-self material.

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4
Q

Major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC Class II) markers

A

Expressed on antigen presenting cells, which interact with T helper cells in the process of antigen-presentation, initiating an adaptative immune response.

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5
Q

Allergen

A

A non-pathogenic antigen that triggers an allergic reaction.

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6
Q

Allergic reaction

A

An overreaction of the immune system to a nonpathogenic antigen.

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7
Q

Types of cellular pathogens

A

Bacteria, fungi, worms, protozoa

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8
Q

Protozoa

A

Single-celled eukaryotes that can be free-living or parasitic.

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9
Q

Types of non-cellular pathogens

A

Viruses, prions

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10
Q

Virus

A

Non-cellular agent composed of a protective protein coat and nucleic acid.

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11
Q

Prion

A

Abnormally folded proteins that have the ability to induce normal proteins nearby to become misfolded.

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12
Q

Innate immune system

A

A component of the immune system that is composed of generalised and non-specific defences and/or responses to pathogens.

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13
Q

First line of defence

A

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.

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14
Q

Second line of defence

A

A component of the innate immune system characterised by the nonspecific response to injury and/or pathogens by a variety of cells and molecules.

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15
Q

Physical barrier

A

A component of the first line of defence that features solid or fluid obstacles that block pathogen entry such as skin or mucus.

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16
Q

Chemical barrier

A

A component of the first line of defence that features the use of enzymes, toxins, and acids to protect against pathogen invasion.

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17
Q

Cuticle

A

A waxy protective film covering the surface of a plant leaf.

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18
Q

Gall

A

An abnormal outgrowth of tissue in plants designed to limit the spread of an invading pathogen.

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19
Q

Trichomes

A

Small hairs on the surface of plants used to deter pathogens and/or insects

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20
Q

Stoma

A

A small pore on the leaf’s surface that opens and closes to regulate gas exchange.

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21
Q

Microbiological barrier

A

A component of the first line of defence in which the presence of normal flora limits the growth of pathogenic bacteria.

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22
Q

Flora

A

Naturally occurring, nonpathogenic bacteria present in an organism.

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23
Q

Cillium

A

Thin, hair-like projection that protrudes from eukaryotic cells.

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24
Q

Phagocyte

A

A group of leukocytes responsible for the endocytosis and destruction of pathogens, foreign material, and cell debris.

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25
Q

Neutrophil

A

The most common type of leukocyte in the body. Engages in phagocytosis of pathogens and foreign material, as well as the release of cytokines.

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26
Q

Macrophage

A

A type of leukocyte found throughout the body that engages in phagocytosis and antigen presentation.

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27
Q

Dendritic cell

A

A type of leukocyte that engages in phagocytosis and antigen presentation.

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28
Q

Antigen-presenting cell (APC)

A

A subgroup of phagocytes that display antigens from consumed pathogens on their surface and interact with the adaptive immune system.

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29
Q

Cytokine

A

A signalling molecule released by cells (typically in the immune system) which aids in communication between immune cells and helps protect against pathogens.

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30
Q

Natural Killer (NK) cell

A

A type of leukocyte responsible for the recognition and destruction of damaged and/or infected host cells.

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31
Q

Mast cell

A

A type of leukocyte responsible for releasing histamine during allergic and inflammatory responses.

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32
Q

Degranulation

A

The release of granule contents from a cell.

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33
Q

Histamine

A

A molecule released by mast cells that plays a key role in inflammation.

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34
Q

Inflammatory response 

A

A series of biochemical events that occur in the body as a result of infection and/or trauma. Characterised by swelling, redness, pain, and heat in the affected tissue.

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35
Q

Eosinophil

A

A large granular leukocyte responsible for the release of toxic chemical mediators.

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36
Q

Interferon

A

A cytokine released by virally infected cells that increases the viral resistance of neighbouring uninfected cells.

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37
Q

Complement proteins

A

A number of different types of proteins found in the blood that opsonise, cause lysis, and attract phagocytes to invading pathogens.

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38
Q

Epidemic

A

The RAPID spread of disease to a large number of people.

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39
Q

Pandemic

A

When the spread of disease reaches GLOBAL proportions.

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40
Q

Complement cascade

A

A complex sequence of events which occurs after the activation of complement proteins.

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41
Q

Opsonisation

A

The mechanism by which complement proteins attach to the surface of pathogens, making them easier to phagocytose.

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42
Q

Chemotaxis

A

The attraction of phagocytes towards a pathogen.

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43
Q

Lysis

A

The disintergration or rupturing of a cell.

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44
Q

Membrane attack complex (MAC)

A

A pore formed by complement proteins in the cell membranes of a pathogen, disrupting the membrane and leading to the pathogen’s destruction.

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45
Q

Vasodilation

A

The widening of blood vessels

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46
Q

Third line of defence

A

Composed of the humoral and cell-mediated responses which create a specific immune response and form immunological memory.

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47
Q

Immunological memory

A

The ability of the immune system to
quickly and aggressively combat a previously encountered pathogen due to the presence of T and B memory cells.

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48
Q

T helper cell

A

A type of differentiated T lymphocyte that supports the functioning of a number of different immune cells, including the cloning and differentiation of selected T and B cells.

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49
Q

Lymphatic system

A

A large network of vessels and tissues throughout the body that form an important component of both the circulatory and immune systems.

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50
Q

Lymph node

A

A small secondary lymphoid tissue of the lymphatic system where antigen-presenting cells activate the adaptive immune system.

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51
Q

Humoral immunity

A

An adaptive immune response in which extracellular pathogens are targeted by specific antibodies produced by plasma cells.

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52
Q

Cell -mediated immunity

A

An adaptive immune response in which infected or abnormal cells are destroyed by cytotoxic T cells.

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53
Q

B lymphocyte

A

A type of lymphocyte that plays an important role in humoral immunity and differentiates into plasma cells and B memory cells.

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54
Q

Antibody

A

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.

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55
Q

Cytokine

A

A signalling molecule released by cells (typically in the immune system) which aids in communication between immune cells and helps protect against pathogens.

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56
Q

Clonal expansion

A

The process in which many copies of a lymphocyte are generated.

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57
Q

Clonal selection

A

The process in which B and T cells encounter an antigen that matches their antigen binding site, and then generate many copies of themselves.

58
Q

B memory cell

A

A differentiated B lymphocyte that is responsible for providing long-lasting immunological memory of an antigen.

59
Q

Effector cell

A

A cell that responds to a signal and produces a response.

60
Q

Plasma cell

A

A differentiated B lymphocyte that is responsible for the generation and secretion of antibodies during the humoral response.

61
Q

Agglutination

A

The clumping of particles together. In the immune system, antibodies can help clump pathogens together.

62
Q

Antigen-antibody complex

A

A structure formed by the complementary binding between antigen and antibody molecules.

63
Q

Rhesus antigen

A

An antigen on the surface of red blood cells that can cause an immune response if not matched correctly between donor and receiver.

64
Q

Cytotoxic T cell

A

A differentiated T lymphocyte that is responsible for the destruction of infected or abnormal cells.

65
Q

T memory cell

A

A differentiated T lymphocyte that is responsible for providing long-lasting immunological memory.

66
Q

Apoptosis

A

Controlled cell death.

67
Q

Secondary lymphoid tissue

A

Components of the lymphatic system that are responsible for the maintenance of mature lymphocytes and the activation of the adaptive immune response. Includes lymph nodes and the spleen.

68
Q

Types of secondary lymphoid tissue

A

Lymph nodes & the spleen

69
Q

Primary lymphoid tissue

A

Components of the lymphatic
system that are responsible for
the production and maturation
of lymphocytes.

70
Q

Types of primary lymphoid tissue

A

Bone marrow & thymus

71
Q

Lymph

A

A pale fluid that flows through the lymphatic system and has a high concentration of leukocytes.

72
Q

Bone marrow

A

Semi-solid tissue found within bones. Serves as the primary site of the creation of red blood cells and leukocytes.

73
Q

Thymus

A

A primary lymphoid organ located in the chest. Serves as the site of T cell maturation.

74
Q

Lymph node

A

A small secondary lymphoid tissue found throughout the body where antigen-presenting cells activate the adaptive immune system.

75
Q

Tonsils

A

The name given to the two lymph nodes that reside at the back of the throat.

76
Q

Spleen

A

An organ located in the upper abdomen that serves a variety of functions in the immune system and the regulation of red blood cells.

77
Q

Lymphatic capillaries

A

The smallest form of lymphatic vessel. Located in the spaces between cells.

78
Q

Role of the lymphatic system in immunity

A

To serve as a transport network for the transportation of antigen-presenting cells to lymph nodes for antigen presentation and the initiation of the adaptive immune response.

79
Q

Afferent (lead towards) lymphatic vessel

A

Thin-walled structures that collect lymph from the tissues of the body and deliver it to lymph nodes.

80
Q

Efferent (lead away) lymphatic vessels

A

Thin-walled structures that collect lymph that has drained through lymph nodes, returning it back to circulation.

81
Q

Natural immunity

A

Protection against a disease formed without medical intervention.

82
Q

Artificial immunity

A

Protection against a disease formed as a result of medical intervention.

83
Q

Active immunity

A

Protection against a disease created by
antibodies and memory cells formed by a person’s own adaptive immune system.

84
Q

Passive immunity

A

Protection against a disease created by antibodies from an external source.

85
Q

Natural active immunity

A

Protection against a disease created by antibodies and memory cells produced by an individual’s own immune system without medical intervention.

86
Q

Natural passive immunity

A

Protection against a disease created by antibodies from an external, non-medical source.

87
Q

Artificial active immunity

A

Protection against a disease created by antibodies and memory cells produced by an individual’s own immune system after medical intervention.

88
Q

Vaccine

A

A medical treatment typically containing antigens designed to stimulate a person’s adaptative immune system to create immunity to a pathogen without actually causing disease.

89
Q

Primary immune response

A

The reaction of the adaptitive immune system to an antigen it has not previously been exposed to.

90
Q

Secondary immune response

A

The heightened reaction of the adaptative immune system to an antigen it has previously been exposed to.

91
Q

Vaccination program

A

A series of vaccinations designed to create long-term immunity to a disease.

92
Q

Booster vaccine

A

A vaccination given to a person later in time after they have completed their initial vaccination program to enhance their existing immunity against a disease.

93
Q

Artificial passive immunity

A

Protection against a disease created by antibodies from an external medical source.

94
Q

Anti venom

A

A medical treatment containing antibodies specific to the toxins present in venomous bites or stings.

95
Q

Herd immunity

A

Protection against a disease conferred to non-immune individuals when a high percentage of a population is immune to the same disease.
- often achieved through high vaccination rates

96
Q

Non-infectious disease

A

An illness not caused by a pathogen.

97
Q

Infectious disease

A

An illness caused by a pathogen

98
Q

Contagious disease

A

An illness caused by a pathogen that can be transmitted and spread between different people.

99
Q

Contagious

A

A property of a pathogen or disease meaning that it can be transmitted from one organism to another.

100
Q

Virulence

A

The potential of a pathogen or disease to cause serious illness or harm.

101
Q

Emerging disease

A

An infectious disease that is new to the human population, or that is rapidly increasing in incidence.

102
Q

Re-emerging disease

A

An infectious disease that was previously under control but that is now increasing in incidence.

103
Q

Incidence

A

The frequency of a disease in a population.

104
Q

Zoonosis

A

An infectious disease that is caused by a pathogen that has transferred from an animal to a human.

105
Q

Reservoir

A

A population of animals or environment in which a pathogen normally lives.

106
Q

Outbreak

A

A sudden and unexpected increase in the occurrence of a disease.

107
Q

Epidemic

A

A dramatically increased occurrence of a disease in a particular community at a particular time.

108
Q

Pandemic

A

An epidemic that has spread across multiple countries and/or continents.

109
Q

Endemic

A

When a disease occurs at a relatively constant baseline level in a population.

110
Q

Virulence

A

The potential of a pathogen or disease to cause serious illness or harm.

111
Q

Serology

A

The study of blood serum, typically to determine the presence of antibodies and/or antigens.

112
Q

Serum

A

The fluid and solute component of blood that excluded blood cells, platelets, and clotting factors.

113
Q

Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)

A

An experimental technique used to identify a pathogen by determining the presence of antigens or antibodies in a sample.

114
Q

Host

A

An organism that harbours a pathogen

115
Q

Transmission

A

The passing of a pathogen from an infected host to another individual or group.

116
Q

Airborne transmission

A

The spread of pathogens through air via small particles.

117
Q

Droplet transmission

A

The spread of pathogens through air and contaminated surfaces via respiratory droplets.

118
Q

Direct physical contact transmission

A

The spread of pathogens through contact between a host and another individual.

119
Q

Vertical transmission

A

Spread of pathogens from mother-to-child during gestation, childbirth, or post-birth due to close physical contact and breastfeeding of a newborn.

120
Q

Iatrogenic

A

Describes a disease caused by medical intervention.

121
Q

Indirect physical contact transmission

A

The spread of pathogens via contaminated objects or vectors.

122
Q

Fomites

A

An inanimate object that, when contaminated with a pathogen, can transmit that pathogen to a new host.

123
Q

Vector

A

An organism that is not affected by a disease but spreads it between hosts.

124
Q

Faecal-oral transmission

A

The spread of pathogens via oral consumption of contaminated faeces.

125
Q

Antiseptic

A

A substance that is applied to a living tissue to kill or slow the growth of microorganisms.

126
Q

Disinfectant

A

A substance that is applied to non-living materials to kill or slow the growth of microorganisms.

127
Q

Antibiotic

A

Medications used to kill bacteria or slow their growth.

128
Q

Antiviral

A

Medications used to treat viral infections.

129
Q

Fungicide

A

Medications used to treat fungal infections.

130
Q

Antimicrobial resistance

A

The ability of a microorganism to survive exposure to an antimicrobial agent.

131
Q

Immunotherapy

A

Medical interventions that treat disease by modulating the immune system, typically by either amplifying or reducing an immune response.

132
Q

Chimeric

A

An organism or cell containing genetic material from another organism or cell.

133
Q

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs)

A

Identical laboratory-made antibodies produced by plasma cell clones.

134
Q

Myeloma cells

A

Rapidly-diving cancerous plasma cells which are fused with extracted B cells from mice to produce hybridomas.

135
Q

Hybridoma

A

The product of the fusion between a mouse’s extracted plasma cell and a myeloma cell.

136
Q

Naked monoclonal antibodies

A

Monoclonal antibodies that do not have any other molecules attached to them.

137
Q

Conjugated monoclonal antibodies

A

Monoclobal antibodies with other molecules (e.g. chemotherapy drugs or radioisotopes) attatched to them.

138
Q

Autoantibodies

A

Antibodies directed against an organism’s own tissues.

139
Q

Autoreactive

A

A cell that recognises a self-tissue or self-antigen as non-self.

140
Q

Immunosuppression

A

A reduction in the ability of the immune system to generate an immune response.

141
Q

Immune deficiency

A

A state in which the immune system is no longer able to protect the body against infection or disease.

142
Q

Defensins

A

Small peptides that are toxic to microbes and fungi