Immune Sysytem Flashcards
Pathogen
Disease causing agent - such as a bacterium virus, fungus, or protozoan
Memory cell
Lymphocyte (B or T cell) that retains a memory of a specific pathogen after an infection is over - provides immunity to the pathogen
B cell
Type of lymphocyte that fights infections by forming antibodies
T cell
Type of lymphocyte that is involved in cell-mediated immunity in which cells infected with viruses are destroyed
Plasma
Golden-yellow fluid part of blood that contains many dissolved substances and blood cells
Antibodies
Large Y-shaped proteins produced by B cells that recognize and bind to antigens in a humoral immune response
Cilia
Short, hairlike projections, similar to flagella, that allow some cells to move
Leukocyte
White blood cells produced by bone marrow to fight infections
Mechanical Barriers
Physically block pathogens from entering the body
Chemical barrier
Destroy pathogens on the outer body surface at body openings , and on inner body linings
Biological Barrier
Biological barriers are living organisms that help protect the body - Harmless bacteria use up food and space so that harmful bacteria cannot grow
Immunity
The ability to resist a pathogen due to memory lymphocytes or antibodies to the antigens that the pathogen carries
Passive Immunity
Type of immunity to a particular pathogen the results when antibodies are transferred to a person who has never been exposed to the pathogen
Acquired immunity
Immunity that may be acquired (injection of antibodies, breast milk etc.)
Immunization
Deliberate exposure of a person to a pathogen in order to provoke an immune response and the formation of memory cells specific to that pathogen
Phagocytosis
Process in which leukocytes engulf and break down pathogens and debris
Lymphatic system
System of the body consisting of organs, vessels, nodes, and lymph that produces lymphocytes and filters pathogens from body fluids
Vaccine
Substance containing modified pathogens that does not cause disease but provokes an immune response and results in immunity to the pathogen
Lymphocyte
Type of leukocyte that is a key cell in the immune response to a specific pathogen
How do the three lines of defense protect the body from pathogens? List the lines and the important characteristics of each
- Barriers
- Keeps things from getting into the body- Chemical, mechanical, biological
- Inflammation
- Increases flow of bodily fluids to an infected area - allows body to fight off infection and stop it from spreading - Immune response
- Triggers lymphatic system to make lymphocytes which recognize and destroy particular pathogens - Allows body to remember specific pathogens after the infection is over
How do humans get immunity? List two examples and explain
- Passive Immunity: Antibodies are transferred to a person who has not yet been exposed to a pathogen - Mother to infant through blood or milk
- Acquired Immunity: Immunity from exposure to a pathogen - Vaccine etc.
How can pathogens be spread and how can we prevent them from spreading?
Pathogens can be spread through direct contact, and things like sneezing or coughing that are airborne - You can prevent them from spreading by washing your hands and covering your mouth when you sneeze or cough
What is immunization? How does it help the body create an immunity
- Immunization: Deliberate exposure to a pathogen in order to provoke an immune response and the formation of memory cells to that specific pathogen (ex. Vaccines)
- Vaccination contains weakened or dead version of virus - Allows body to develop antibodies against the specific pathogen resulting in immunity - Does not make you sick
