Immune System Flashcards
Define the terms innate and adaptive immunity
Innate immunity is the body’s first line of defense against pathogens, providing immediate but non-specific responses. Adaptive immunity involves T and B lymphocytes that provide a specific and long-lasting response to pathogens.
What is the role of innate defences in preventing and limiting infection?
Innate defences provide immediate protection through physical barriers, inflammatory responses, and the action of white blood cells.
What is the action of lymphocytes in mediating adaptive immunity?
Lymphocytes, specifically T and B cells, respond to specific antigens, leading to the production of antibodies and the activation of cell-mediated responses.
List the types of infectious organisms mentioned
- Worms
- Protozoa (protist)
- Viruses
- Bacteria
- Fungi
True or False: Antibiotics are effective against viral infections.
False
What chromosome is mainly responsible for converting the female body template to a male one?
The Y chromosome
What is the function of tears in the immune response?
Tears wash away dirt and contain an antiseptic substance.
What is phagocytosis?
Phagocytosis is the process by which phagocytes engulf and digest pathogens.
What are natural killer cells responsible for?
Natural killer cells are responsible for immunological surveillance and direct attack on a range of microbes, infected, and cancerous cells.
What role do mast cells play in the immune response?
Mast cells are involved in inflammation and release chemicals that contribute to the inflammatory response.
What is the inflammatory response characterized by?
Local tissue swelling, erythema, heat, and pain.
What triggers the emigration of phagocytes during inflammation?
Cytokines secreted by neutrophils attract monocytes through chemotaxis.
Fill in the blank: _______ increase the temperature set-point during fever.
[Pyrogens]
What is the function of the lymphatic system in the innate immune system?
The lymphatic system filters lymph through lymph nodes to recognize and raise defense against pathogens.
What is the glymphatic system in the brain?
A macroscopic waste clearance system that uses perivascular channels for elimination of soluble proteins and metabolites.
What are the components of the adaptive immune system?
- T lymphocytes
- B lymphocytes
What type of immune response do memory T cells participate in?
Cell-mediated response
What do plasma cells secrete?
Antibodies or immunoglobulins
List the types of immunoglobulins produced by plasma cells
- IgG
- IgE
- IgD
- IgM
- IgA
What is the difference between primary and secondary immune response?
Primary immune response is slower and less effective, while secondary immune response is faster and more powerful due to memory cells.
Fill in the blank: _______ immunity can be acquired naturally or artificially.
[Active immunity]
What is passive immunity?
Immunity acquired through the transfer of antibodies, either naturally or through clinical therapy.
What can high levels of C-reactive protein indicate?
Inflammation, and possibly infection in the context of clinical signs.
True or False: Inflammation is only caused by infectious agents.
False
