Describe The Importance Of Specific Immunity Flashcards
What makes immunity special?
Specification.
Specificity: targeted to one antigen
Memory: a memory is created of each immune-response, so if it’s encountered again, the response is faster and more powerful.
Tolerance: does not attack its own cells
Explain lymphocytes.
Where they come from me the role in the immune system?
Lymphocytes include NK cells, T cells and B cells.
T cells and B cells are produced in the bone marrow and some lymphatic tissues.
Each individual T and B cell carriers antigen recognition molecules, allowing it to respond to only one specific antigens.
The range of antigen recognition molecules are genetically determined I.e inherited.
A health immune system has the capacity to recognise and response to millions of different antigens.
Explain T cells in specific immunity.
Immature T cells are produced in the bone marrow.
They migrate to the thymus gland, and mature under the influence of the hormone thymus in. The T cells become specialised.
The T cells become fully activated when they encounter infective connective tissues, especially in the lymph nodes.
The T cells are then fully mature and continues circulating the blood stream and lymphoid organs.
Mature T cells have been programmed to recognise only one type of antigen, and during its subsequent travels through the body will react to no other antigens.
Explain B cells in specific immunity
Immature B cells are produced in the bone marrow
B cells are also matured in the bone marrow
They produce antibodies AKA immunoglobulins which are proteins that bind to and destroy antigens
Each B cell targets one specific antigen
