Immunology prep

Question 1

Pathogen

Answer 1

A disease causing bacterium, virus or other organism

Question 2

Physical defences

Answer 2

Closely packed epithelial cells form a barrier to pathogens, e.g. skin and inner linings of the respiratory and digestive system

Question 3

Chemical defences

Answer 3

Secretions that are produced against pathogens e.g. tears, saliva, mucus and stomach acid.

Question 4

Inflammatory response

Answer 4

A defence mechanism triggered by damage to cells. Results in increased blood flow and accumulation of white blood cells and clotting elements at a site of infection.

Question 5

Histamine

Answer 5

Released during the inflammatory response. Causes dilation of arterioles and increased capillary permeability (leakiness).

Question 6

Phagocytes

Answer 6

White blood cells that engulf and destroy pathogens using digestive enzymes.

Question 7

Cytokines

Answer 7

Protein molecules released by cells of the immune system. Involved in recruiting white blood cells to accumulate at the site of infection.

Question 8

Lymphocytes

Answer 8

Cells of the immune system that target ONE specific pathogen. (Very good at destroying that pathogen, but not any others)

Question 9

Antibodies

Answer 9

Y shaped proteins that bind to particular pathogens to target them for destruction.

Question 10

Autoimmunity

Answer 10

Occurs when white blood cells attack the body’s own cells.

Question 11

HIV

Answer 11

A virus that infects a type of white blood cell, resulting in immunodeficiency. Stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus.

Question 12

Allergic reaction

Answer 12

A hypersensitive response of the immune system to a harmless substance from the environment.