Immune System Flashcards
What is the immune system
It is a system of special cells and chemicals that fight infection
What does it mean to be immune
It means your body is more prepared for when the pathogen gets in
What is a vaccine
A chemical that causes your body to react as if it has met a pathogen
What is a disease
Anything that causes your body to stop working properly
What is a pathogen
A disease causing organism
What are three main types of microbes
Bacteria
Viruses
Fungi
What are there diseases they cause
Bacteria: boils, MRSA
Viruses: herpes, polio, flu
Fungi: ringworm, athletes foot
What are main causes of disease
Bacterial infections
How does a vaccine work?
Lymphocyte creates antibody
Antibodies stay in bloodstream
If immune system encounters actual pathogen quick recognition triggers response
What is tetanus
Bacterial disease caused by a cut from rusty metal
What are symptoms of tetanus
Lockjaw, muscle spasms
What are common Australian vaccinations
Tetanus
Diphtheria
Whooping cough
How does a macrophage prevent spread of bacteria
It engulfs bacteria then in acid bubbles disintegrated it
What is a macrophage
A type of white blood cell
