Human Immune System Flashcards
hematopoietic stem cells result in myeloid progenitor cells that give rise to _______________ immune cells (5)
neutrophils
eosinophils
basophils
dendritic cells
macrophages
mast cells
what role do neutrophils have?
they are the most abundant WBC
primary mediators of the rapid innate immune system vs bacterial and fungal pathogens
what does elevated neutrophils tell you?
most likely caused by infection or some sort of high stress – neutrophilia or neutrophilic leukocytosis
what role does eosinophils have?
specialized WBC (granulocyte; release highly toxic proteins and free radicals) for parasites and certain allergic diseases
what does elevated eosinophils tell you?
parasitic infection or certain allergic reactions like asthma, allergic rhinitis, and dermatitis
less common: certain blood cancers and eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangitis
what role does basophils have?
least common WBC
granulocyte
involved in acute and chronic allergic diseases
can also play a role in parasitic infections
what does elevated basophils tell you?
infection, allergic disease attack, cancer like leukemia or an autoimmune disease
role of dendritic cells?
activate T cells and initiate adaptive immune response
role of macrophages?
phagocytosis, can activate T cells in the tissues
role of mast cells
release certain immune response mediators esp in response to bacteria, parasites, and allergies
ex. histamine, heparin, cytokines, and growth factors
in general, what is the lymphatic system?
its a network of vessels throughout the body that results in the movement of lymphatic fluids up towards two drainage points above the heart (subclavian veins)
lymph capillaries interact with blood capillaries so fluids from the tissues can be drained into the lymph
what is the role of lymph nodes and the spleen?
the police station for the adaptive immune system
place where B and T cells can hang out to wait to be activated by DCs and macrophages
what is the main role of the innate immune system?
first line defence; brings non-specified immune cells and inflammatory mediators to the site of invasion
is the innate immune system a fast or slow response?
fast, within minutes
how does the innate immune system recognize pathogens?
via PAMPs - pathogen-associated molecular patterns that are highly conserved components of pathogens for their virulence
the immune system has PPRs - pattern recognition receptors