Immune system Flashcards
how does the immune system aid in homeostasis
help organ systems stay healthy
Pathogen
A substance that causes disease
(Bacteria, viruses parasites)
are all bacteria bad
Not all microorganisms are pathogens
Certain bacteria and other microorganisms keep us healthy
Have symbiotic relationship (both organisms benefit)
Removing too many microorganisms could be more harmful than helpful
Infection disease
Any disease caused by presence of pathogens in the body
Bacteria viruses parasites
Disorders not caused by pathogens
Cystic fibrosis - caused by genetics
Cirrhosis - liver cells get destroyed if exposed to excess alcohol
Incubation period
Symptom free (asymptomatic)
Pathogens multiply within body
A person can unknowingly pass on the pathogens at this time
4 Ways a pathogen can be transmitted to a host
1) Direct contact - Kissing
2) By an object - Door handles
3) Through the air (airborne) - sneezes
4) By a vector (an intermediate organism) - mosquitoes
Viruses
Cause damage by taking over a hosts cell
Can eventually lead to the death of that cell
Toxins
Poisonous substances that can sometimes be produced by microorganisms
Transported by our blood
Can cause serious and sometimes fatal side effects
Endemic disease
Constantly present in the population
Ex. Common cold
Epidemic
When a lot of people in an area have the same disease at the same time
Ex. smallpox
Antibiotic
Substances that will kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria and some other microorganisms
Ex. penicillin
problems with antibiotics
Does not work on viruses
Concerns about developing an antibiotic resistance
