Fighting Disease Flashcards
Name three things the body uses to prevent microorganisms entering it?
(3rd has detailed location)
- The skin
- Hairs
- Mucus (in the respiratory tract)
How does the body try to prevent microorganisms entering the body through cuts?
Platelets help blood clot quickly to seal wounds
What are ‘platelets’?
Small fragments of cell
If the blood contains low numbers of platelets then it will clot ____ ____
If the blood contains low numbers of platelets then it will clot more slowly
What happens if a mircoorganism makes it through the body’s defenses?
The immune system kicks in
What is the most important part of the immune system?
The white blood cells
What are the 3 ways white blood cells attack foreign cells?
- Ingesting them
- Producing antibodies
- Producing antitoxins
What happens when white blood cells ‘consume’ foreign cells?
White blood cells engulf and digest them
What happens when white blood cells come across a foreign antigen for the first time?
(3)
- When a white blood cell comes across a foreign antigen, it will start to produce proteins called antibodies
- These antibodies lock on to and kill the invading cells
- Antibodies are then produced rapidly and carried around the body to kill all similar pathogens
Every invading cell has ____ ____ (____) on its surface
Every invading cell has unique molecules (antigens) on its surface
What happens as a result of every invading cell having antigens?
Antibodies are produced specifically for a certain antigen - they won’t lock on to any others
If a person is infected by the same pathogen again, what will happen?
The white blood cells will rapidly produce the antibodies to kill it - the person is naturally immune to that pathogen and won’t get ill
What does producing antitoxins do?
Counters toxins produced by the invading bacteria
If you have a low level of white blood cells, you’ll be what?
More susceptible to infections
How is the health of a person affected by HIV/AIDS?
It makes it easier for another pathogen to kill them - HIV/AIDS attack white blood cells and weaken the immune system
