Immune system Flashcards
what produces WBCs, RBCs, B-lymphocytes
Bone marrow: produces a type of stem cell that is able to produce all types of blood cells. (RBC,WBC and platelets), which then differentiate into the cells of the hematologic and immune system. B lymphocytes are produced and mature in the BONE marrow and they play significant role in humoral response.
Where do T-lymphocytes reside until needed
The THYMUS gland, behind the sternum in the mediastium, is the place where T cells mature and are released into the blood stream.
What system do the tonsils and spleen belong to?
lymphatic system
Immune system Infants/young:
- Neonates are susceptible to infection due to an immature immune system.
- The thymus gland is largest during childhood and adolescence. After adolescence it begins to shrink in size and its production of T lymphocytes decreases.
Immune system Elderly
- Aging causes skin to become thin, less elastic, and more prone to injury. The skin is the first barrier to defense against pathogens.
- Decreased ciliary action in the respiratory tract and GI tract results in decreased removal of potentially harmful organisms.
- the presence of chronic diseases can decrease the immune response.
Inflammatory response
Recognition microorganisms or unknown antigens causes the body to immediately launch a defense because the tissue damage created by the invading microorganisms releases certain chemicals within the body. These chemical triggers, such as histamine , lead to the activation of the inflammatory response, which then, causes the blood and lymphatic systems to deliver certain WBC, lymphocytes, proteins , and other nutrients to the effected area. Trauma, pathogenic microorganisms, chemicals, or heat may cause injury to tissues inside or outside of the body. Redness, swelling, warmth, and tender to the touch. Blood flow is increased to the area by dilating the blood vessels/lymphatic vessels upstream of the injury, resulting in warmth and redness. The same substances also effect downstream vessels, causing vasoconstriction and swelling. If the effects of swelling are not quickly controlled, the edema can compress nerve endings surrounding injury leading to pain. - may be enough to kill the invading organisms by creating hostile environment. Protective proteins that are activated include the complement system.
Antigen
Foreign substance or component of cell that stimulates immune response
Antibody
Specific protein produced in the humoral response to bind with antigen
Innate
(natural) immunity is non specific. In humans when they are born, making them less susceptible to animal diseases. The body has the ability to recognize certain microorganisms as harmful, even without prior exposure
Cell-mediated response (weeks to produce antibodies)
Helper T Cells
Killer T Cells
Memory T Cells
Suppressor T Cells
Complement system
- Proteins produced in the LIVER that work with antibodies to help kill invaders
- Especially useful in viral infections
Immunity Key Points
B-Cells and T- Cells must work together for proper immunity
T-Cells provide defense against VIRAL infections
Immune response
-Proper response and invader is wiped out
-Improper response and
-Immune deficiency
-Autoimmune disease ( T-cells fault)
-Iatrogenic –treatment for one condition causes decreased immunity*
Alcohol consumption—decreases the effectiveness of B-cells to produce antibodies (2 drinks)
Immunization
- Contraindications
- Fever
- Pregnancy
- Decreased immunity
- Allergies
- Blood transfusions 6-8 weeks –prior
Nursing Key Points
- further investigate if pt has active infection without clinical signs
- If pt has recurrent infections or extreme infections from those organisms that typically do not cause much harm.
- Signs of shock? decreased BP, tachycardia, cold/clammy, diaphoretic
SIRS and Septic shock
ch45 pg 1037
Thymus
Gland located in the mediastinum, large in children, decreasing size in adults; site of maturation and proliferation of lymphocytes.
Lymphatic tissue
contains many lymphocytes; filters body fluids, removes foreign matter, immune response
Neutrophils (non specific)
WBC;for phagocytosis; non specific defense; active in inflammatory process
Basophils (mast cells) igE
WBC; bind immunoglobulin E; release histamine in anaphylaxis.
Eosinophils (allergic resp)
WBC; participate in allergic responses
monocytes
WBC: migrate from blood into body tissues to become macrophages
macrophages
phagocytosis; process and present antigens to lymphocytes for the immune response
Mast cells
Release chemical mediators such as histamine in connective tissue