Exam 3: Chapter 35 - Assessment of Immune Function Flashcards
Agglutination
Clumping effect occuring when an antibody acts as a cross-link between two antigens
Antibody
A protein substance developed by the body in response to and interacting with a specific antigen
Antigen
Substance that induces the production of antibodies
Antigenic DEterminant
The specific area of an antigen that binds with an antibody combining site and determines the specificity of the antigen-antibody reaction
Apoptosis
Programmed cell death that results from the digestion of deoxyribonucleic acid by end nucleases
B Cells
Cells that are important to producing a humoral immune response
Cellular Immune REsponse
The immune systems third line of defense, involving the attack of pathogens by T Cells
Complement
SEries of enzymatic proteins in the serum that, when activated, destroy bacteria and other cells
Cytokines
Generic term for nonantibody proteins that act as intercellular mediators, as in the generation of immune response
Cytotoxic T Cells
Lymphocytes that lyse cells infected with virus; also play a role in graft rejection
Epitope
Any component of an antigen molecule that functions as an antigenetic determinant by permitting the attachment of certain antibodies
Genetic Engineering
Emerging technology designed to enable replacement of missing or defective genes
Helper T Cells
Lymphocytes that attack foreign invaders (antigens) directly
Humoral Immune System
The immune systems second line of defense; often termed the antibody response
Immune REsponse
The coordinated response of the components of the immune system to a foreign agent or organism
Immune System
The collection of organs, cells, tissues, and molecules that mediate the immune response
Immunity
The bodys specific protective response to a foreign agent or organism; resistance to diseease, specifically infectious disease
Immunopathology
Study of diseases resulting in dysfunctions within the immune system
Immunoregulation
Complex system of checks and balances that regulates or controls immune responses
Immunosenescence
The gradual deterioration of the immune system brought on by the aging process
Interferons
Proteins formed when cells are exposed to viral or foreign agents; capable of activating other compopnents of the immune system
Lymphokines
Substances released by sensitized lymphocytes when they come in contact with specific antigens
Memory Cels
Cells that are responsible for recognizing antigens from previous exposure and mounting an immune response
Natural Killer (NK) Cells
Lymphocytes that defend against microorganisms and malignant cells