Immunology I Flashcards
Where is the immune system located?
It is scattered throughout the whole body and is connected by blood and lymph.
What is the role of the immune system? Describe two situations where it is necessary.
Its role is to protect the body. It can protect from pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites, and from altered body cells, such as cancer.
Describe two situations in which the immune system can “turn on us”.
- In the case of autoimmune disorders, where it identifies the body’s cells as foreign and attacks them
- When it attacks foreign tissue after a transplant or graft.
What are the two components of the immune system?
Non-specific/innate immunity and specific/adaptive immunity.
Of the two major components of the immune system, we are born with […]
Both
Name two differences between innate immunity and adaptive immunity.
Innate immunity does not recognize the specific pathogen it is fighting and responds the same way each time it sees the pathogen. On the other hand, adaptive immunity requires the recognition of the pathogen and responds faster when it sees the same pathogen again.
Explain the origin of vaccination
Smallpox disease led to lesions, which left behind scars called “pox”. Dr. Edward Jenner noticed that no milkmaids, who had gotten cowpox, had the marks of smallpox, leading him to assume that one protected the individual from the other. He took pus from a smallpox pustule and put it other the skin of another individual to inoculate them against smallpox and it worked.
What are the two categories of lymphoid organs? Explain the difference between them.
Primary lymphoid organs: sites where stem cells divide and immune cells develop
Secondary lymphoid organs: sites where most immune responses occur
Immune cells are also known as..
Leukocytes
Name the two primary lymphoid organs.
The bone marrow (yolk sac and fetal liver in embryo) and the thymus
What is the immune function of the bone marrow?
It is where B and T cells are first produced and where B cells reach maturity.
What is the bursa and what is it homologous to in humans?
The bursa is an organ in the chicken that allows for the production of B cells. It is homologous to the bone marrow.
What is the immune function of the thymus?
It is where T cells mature. It also contains T cells, scattered dendritic cells, epithelial cells, and macrophages.
What happens to the thymus as we age?
it shrinks and eventually disappears.
Name the three secondary lymphoid organs.
Lymph nodes, spleen, and lymphoid nodules
Where are lymph nodes found?
Scattered throughout the body
What is the immune function of lymph nodes?
To filter microbes and phagocytose microbes that enter with macrophages. This prevents them from entering the circulatory system and causing harm.
What is the immune function of the spleen?
It removes microbes and dead/old erythrocytes. It is also the largest lymphoid organ.
What is the immune function of lymphoid nodules?
They serve the same function as the lymph nodes but are located at specific sites in the body that are in contact with the outside world.