immunity and exercise

Question 1

functions of the immune system

Answer 1

• protects body from infectious diseases
• tissue repair
• protection against potential pain

Question 2

innate

Answer 2

already found in the body and low potency
- physical: skin, epithelial linings, mucosal secretions
- chemical: pH of bodily fluids, and hormones
- leucocytes: white blood cells

Question 3

adaptive

Answer 3

created in response to exposure and high potency
- cell mediated: inflammation, clotting, lymphocytes and antibody production

Question 4

intense bouts of exercise

Answer 4

• increase leucocytes: dependent on duration and intensity
• inflammation

Question 5

long-term prolonged exercise

Answer 5

• decrease in both innate and adaptive immune function
• sustained increases in levels of cortisol and adrenaline over long periods of time suppress immune system
• leucocyte numbers drop

Question 6

why are athletes more susceptible to infection?

Answer 6

• lower leucocyte count caused by stress of exercise
• inflammation caused by muscle damage
• greater exposure to airborne bacteria and viruses because of increased rate and depth of breathing

Question 7

strategies for minimizing risk of infection among athletes

Answer 7

• recovery time
• avoid contact with infected people
• maintain oral hygiene
• maintain hydration
• water is pathogen-free
• maintain personal hygiene
• maintain suitable and varied diet
• sleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep