Immune System Flashcards
What is an antigen?
A toxin of foreign substance which induces an immune response in the body
What is an antibody?
Blood proteins produced in response to and counteracting an antigen
What is an innate immune system?
Something that is already present in the body
What is an adaptive immune system?
Something created in response to exposure
Where do we have normal flora in our body?
Moist areas of the skin (groin and between toes), respiratory tract (nose), urinary tract, and the digestive tract
What does too much flora lead to?
Infection
What is immunodeficiency?
Immune system is less active, resulting in recurring and life-threatening infections
What is autoimmunity?
Hyperactive immune system attacking normal tissue
What are some autoimmune disorders?
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, lupus
What is the lymphatic system?
Component of the immune system with a large network of vessels that carry lymph (similar to plasma) to the heart
How and where does lymph drain from the body back into circulation?
Not all of the fluid moves from the arteries to the veins, some stays in the tissue
Lymphatic system picks it up
Fluid goes into lymph nodes
What do lymph nodes do?
Filter lymph
Where do we have lymph nodes?
Neck, armpits, groin
What are lymphocytes?
Cells that are produced by the lymphatic system to aid the immune system
What types of lymphocytes are there?
Natural killer, T cells, and B cells
What happens when there is an interference in lymphatic drainage?
Edema
What does the spleen do?
Blood storage, damaged RBC disposal, filters blood, and it makes WBC and antibodies
What is severe combined immunodeficiency disease?
Hereditary lack of T and B cells
Live in bubble
What is HIV/AIDS?
Invades helper T cells, macrophages, and dendritic cells by tricking them
Takes over that part of the immune system
What are some signs and symptoms of HIV/AIDS?
Flu-like chills and fever
Night sweats, fatigue, headache, extreme weight loss
White patches around mouth
Kaposi sarcoma (purple lesions on skin)
How is HIV/AIDS transmitted?
Not through casual contact
Sexual intercourse, contaminated blood products, and contaminated needles
How common is hearing loss and diabetes?
Hearing loss is twice as common in adults with diabetes
Are hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism linked to hearing loss?
Yes
Why is hearing loss common in people with rheumatoid arthritis?
Doesn’t just effect big bones and joints, also small ones in the ear
What is relapsing polychondritis?
Painful inflammation of cartilage and other connective tissues (nose and ear)
