immune system Flashcards
spleen
location of blood storage and activation of B cells
humoral immunity
division of adaptive immunity involving antibodies which dissolve and act in the blood rather than in cells
Gut associated lymphoid tissue (GALT)
found close to digestive system, includes tonsils and adenoids in head, small intestine, appendix
defensins
antibacterial enzymes found on the skin; sweat also has microbial properties; skin is first line of defense
the GI tract and immunity
role in nonspecific immunity; stomach secretes acid, which kills most pathogens; also gut bacteria helps keep foreign bacteria from surviving
interferons
virally infected cells produce interferons to prevent viral replication, upregulate class I and class II mhc, and make it harder to virus to infect neighboring cells
macrophages
reside in the tissues, and phagocytizes and presents pathogen
natural killer cells
type of nonspecific lymphocyte which can induce apoptosis in virally infected cells
vaccinations
work by evoking primary immune response which causes storage of memory B cells so if pathogen is encountered again, can have rapid and robust response
hypersensitivity reactions
include allergies and autoimmunity
active immunity
way to achieve immunization by the stimulation to produce antibodies against a particular pathogen; exposed to pathogen either natural or artificial (vaccines)
passive immunity
transfer of antibodies to an individual; ex. transfer of Ab across placenta during pregnancy
thoracic duct
lymphatic system carries lymph which is drained from tissues here so it can drain into circulation
lymphatic circulation
unlike normal circulation which makes a loop, lymphatic fluid only flows in one direction, up towards the neck; driven up by skeletal and smooth muscle and joint pumps
