Immunology 2 Flashcards
What is non-specific immunity
Systems in place within our bodies that prevent pathogens from gaining entry
What are 8 examples of non specific immunity
Skin, stomach acid, mucus, phagocytosis, fever, tears, inflammation, lysozyme.
What do anti rejection medications for a transplant patient do to the body
Immunosuppressive mediation dulls the immune system from working as well to prevent rejection if the implanted tissue
What is the specific molecule on the surface of our cells called
Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) also known as major histocompatibility complex (MHC), these molecules show the immune system that they belong in our bodies, they are genetically coded
What is an antigen and what do they do
Any molecule that. Body is able to identify as non self is known as an antigen, antigens stimulate an immune response
What is one of the first responses to an injury and when does it occur
The inflammatory response (inflammation) occurs when tissues are injured by bacteria, trauma, toxins, heat or any other cause
What is the first step in the inflammation process
mast cells secrete histamine that is a cell signalling compound that causes other cells to react
What is the second step in the inflammatory process
histamine increases blood flow in capillaries and causes hemispheres to become permeable so fluid (causing swelling) and leukocytes leave the capillaries and go to the site of the injury
What are the 2 types of cells that can carry out phagocytosis
Both macrophages and neutrophils can carry out phagocytosis but only macrophages become antigen presenting cells (APC)
Describe the process of phagocytosis
1- pathogen is identified
2- the phagocyte receptors interact with the proteins of the pathogen
3-phagocyte engulfs pathogen
4-digestion of the pathogen
5-the pathogen breaks down into proteins
6-antigen presenting cell
What do neutrophils and macrophages do
Engulfs and digests pathogens by fusion of the phagosome with lysosomes
What do t helper cells do
Stimulates b cells to divide and secrete antibodies
What do cytotoxic T cells do
Kills abnormal cells and infected body cells via perforin
What do t memory cells do
Remain in the blood for years and provide long term protection
What does plasma cells do
Secrete antibodies
