Immunology Flashcards
Complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect the body against “attacks” by foreign substances.
Immune system
Organs of the immune system.
Spleen
Tonsils
Adenoids
Lymph nodes
Thymus
Fundamental cellular unit of the immune system.
Lymphocyte
Proteins that act as magic bullets by seeking out specific invaders.
Antibodies
What do B cells produce?
Antibodies
Have marker molecules that mark them as foreign.
Antigens
The form of immunity that responds to antigens, such as bacteria and foreign tissue.
Humoral immunity
The work of T cells that activates lymphocytes that attack and destroy foreign material.
Cell-mediated immunity
Cells that attack the invading organism with chemicals.
Killer T cells
Cells that encourage B cells to produce antibodies.
Helper T cells
Cells that help regulate the immune response to protect the body from its own defense.
Suppressor T cells
Some of the activated B cells and T cells. Ensure that next time the antigens are present, there is a specific, rapid response.
Memory cells
The memory that memory cells produce.
Immunologic memory
Innate or non-specific immunity that exists naturally.
Natural immunity
Adaptive immunity that develops after exposure to specific antigens.
Acquired immunity
Antigens or substances that cause an allergic response.
Allergens
Immunity obtained by immunization.
Active acquired immunity
Immunity obtained by antibody transfer.
Passive acquired immunity
Immunity obtained by infection.
Active natural immunity
Immunity obtained by maternal measures.
Passive natural immunity
Marked by an increased physiologic response to an antigen after a previous exposure to the same antigen.
Sensitization
Hypersensitivity reaction.
Allergic reaction
Cells that contain granules that are rich in histamine and heparin.
Mast cells
Cells that promote inflammation through the release of chemical mediators.
Basophils
Type I allergic reaction.
Immediate (within minutes)
Type II allergic reaction.
Cytotoxic (minutes to hours)