Definitions 1 Flashcards
What is adaptive immunity?
The acquired/specific immune system that consists of specialized cells and processes to eliminate pathogens.
What is addressin?
Group of adhesion molecules involved with lymphocyte homing; commonly found at high endothelial venules where lymphocytes exit capillaries.
What is an antibiotic?
A medicine that inhibits the growth or destroys microorganisms.
What is an antibody?
A blood protein produced in response to and counteracting a specific antigen.
What is an antigen?
A toxin or other foreign substance that induces an immune response, particularly the production of antibodies.
What are B cells?
B cells are responsible for antibody-mediated immunity. The produce antibodies, antigen-presenting cells and contributes directly to inflammatory pathways.
What is a basophil?
A granulocyte with a segmented nucleus; granules stain basophilic. Important in allergic response and resistance to large invasive parasites.
What is cellular immunity?
A protective immune response that involves the activation of phagocytes, cytotoxic T cells, and the release of cytokines.
What is a complement?
A system of plasma proteins that can be activated directly by pathogens or indirectly by pathogen-bound antibody.
What is cytokine?
Any number of substances such as interferon, interleukin, and growth factors which are secreted by certain cells of the immune system and have an effect on other cells.
What are effector cells?
The relatively short-lived activated cells that defend the body in an immune response. (Ex: Effector B cells AKA plasma cells secrete antibodies).
What is endothelium?
A single layer of endothelial cells that lines the lumen of blood vessels and the lymphatic system.
What is an eosinophil?
A granulocyte with a segmented nucleus; granules stain eosinophilic. Important for killing helminthic parasites. Also part of late-phase allergy response.
What is epithelium?
Tissue layer that covers all internal and external surface of the body; lines body cavities and hollow organs.
What is a granulocyte?
A WBC with secretory granules in its cytoplasm. (Neutrophil, basophil, eosinophil).
What is humoral immunity?
Immunity mediated by the antibody molecules that are secreted by plasma cells.
What is innate immunity?
It’s the broad response to an infection/pathogen. It responds the same way to all pathogens. (Think of a shotgun pattern).
What is a leukocyte?
The broad term for WBCs. They’re made in bone marrow and found in blood and lymph tissue.
What is a lymphocyte?
A small mononuclear leukocyte that is mainly found in the lymphatic system. (Include B cells, T cells, and innate lymphoid cells).
What is a macrophage?
A type of WBC that surrounds and kills microorganisms, removes dead cells, and stimulates the action of other immune system cells.
What is a monocyte?
A large phagocytic WBC with a simple oval nucleus.
What is a neutrophil?
Granulocyte with a segmented nucleus; granules stain neutral. Short-lived phagocytic cell. First responder in bacterial and fungal infections.
What are proinflammatory cytokines?
Produced predominantly by activated macrophages and are involved in the up-regulation of inflammatory reactions.
What is a sentinel cell?
Any cell type that plays a prominent role in host defense by being always alert to sense and monitor the presence of dangerous and injurious foreign materials.
What is a T cell?
A type of WBC (lymphocyte) that protects from pathogens. Cytotoxic T cells destroy infected cells; Helper T cells send signals that direct other immune cells to fight infection.
