Disease and Immunity Flashcards
What is a pathogen
Disease causing organism
What is a transmissable disease
When pathogens get passed from one individual/host to another
Give examples of direct contact transmission
Blood, Bodily fluids
Give examples of indirect contact transmission
surfaces, food, animals and air
Name 5 Body defenses
mucus, Nose hair, skin, stomach acid, WBCs
5 ways to control the spread of disease
-> waste disposal
-> Sewage treatment
-> Hygienic food preparation
-> Clean water
->Personal hygiene
What is Active immunity
Defense against a pathogen by production of antibodies
What are antibodies
Proteins that bind to antigens to destroy them, or marking antigens for the phagocytes to destroy.
How do Antibodies fit specific antigens
They have a complementary shape
Name two ways an active immunity is gained
By infection or through vaccination
Describe the process of a vaccine
- A weakened pathogen is injected into the body
- The lymphocytes produce antibodies that are stimulated by the antigen
- The lymphocytes also clone
- The copies don’t produce antibodies but remain in the blood to attack when the pathogen enters
What are memory cells
Cells produced during division of lymphocytes
What do vaccines control
The spread of diseases
What is a passive immunity
Short term defense against a pathogen by antibodies which are acquired by other individuals
Why is breastfeeding important for babies
Becasue they have a wEAK immune system
