Immune System Flashcards
Immune system-
internal defense system against pathogens
pathogens
disease causing agents
Immune system- abilities
Ability to distinguish self from nonself; Ability to respond to danger signals from injured tissues
Three levels of defense:
Nonspecific first line of defense o Second line of defense (also nonspecific) o Third line of defense- the immune response
Leukocytes
- all white blood cells that come from stem cells in bone marrow; Secrete cytokines
cytokines-
signaling molecules
Neutrophils-
most abundant leukocytes, are phagocytes
Macrophages-
slower leukocytes, perform large amounts of phagocytosis
Dendritic cells-
alert immune system to antigens
antigens
foreign molecules
Basophils and mast cells
release enzymes and cytokines in response to antigens or injury
B and T lymphocytes-
help in the immune response
Natural Killer cells (NK cells)
help in second and third line of defense- kill mutated or infected body cells
see diagram
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Nonspecific first line of defense function
Function- general defense against all kinds of pathogens: Prevents pathogens from entering the body and quickly destroys those that do enter
Outer coverings-
part of first line of defense. skin, cuticles (plants), shells, chitin. Skin is covered with oily and acidic secretions from sweat glands which helps kill pathogens
Mucous membranes
part of first line of defense. Mucous membranes found in respiratory tract and reproductive tract. Mucous helps trap pathogens, Enzymes found in mucous helps destroy them
Enzymes such as lysozyme
part of first line of defense. found in tears and body fluids and breaks down cell wall of bacteria;
Gastric juice (acidic) of stomach
part of first line of defense. kills bacteria
Macrophage process
If a foreign organism passes through the first line of defense, a macrophage is generally the first to recognize. Engulfs the foreign cell; Releases cytokines- attract more macrophages and neutrophils; Releases complement proteins;
complement proteins
Bind to antigen and becomes activated; Positive feedback occurs- activates other types of complements, and so on; Activated complement proteins attract more phagocytic cells; Activated complement proteins also attack the cell wall or cell membrane of foreign bacteria and help lyse the cell
Inflammatory response
Cytokines and complements cause Inflammatory response, or inflammation- begins immediately after pathogen invasion or physical injury
mast cell
type of white blood cell
response to tissue damage
Mast cells respond to tissue damage by releasing histamine, causing warming and reddening of the skin. Histamine also causes increase in permeability of capillaries surrounding the infected tissue. Fluid and antibodies can leave circulation and enter the tissues. Edema occurs. Clotting factors leak out of capillaries to help heal damaged tissue
antibodies
unique antigen receptors. attach to and
mark/fight off foreign things