Inflammatory Process Flashcards
What is the first line of defence?
Physical barriers and traps. Skin, scabs, lysozyme, mucus, stommach acid,
How is skin a first line of defence?
Provides a physical barrier to stop germs from entering the body. Even deadly germs and pathogens can not get through the skin.
How are scabs a first line of defence.
Sometimes we break our skin and this provides an entry point for pathogens. The blood very quickly clots to repair this break. The scab acts as a plug to stop pathogens from entering.
Lysozyme as a first line of defence:
This is a chemical in our tears, saliva, urine and nasal secreations which can kill germs that might try to enter through these holes.
How does stomach acid act in the first line of defence:
Our stomach contains a strong acid which can kill germs that we swallow.
How is mucus in our first line of defence:
Traps germs in our nose, also found in the mouth and digestive system.
What is the second line of defence? What does it involve?
The second line of defence involves the white blood cells which respond to any non-self cells. This is called the innate immune system. This responds to all non-self cells.
What is the third line of defence? How does it differ from the second line of defence?
The third line of defence involves white blood cells which respond to specific nonself cells. it is called the adaptive immune system.
What is the second line of defence
Non-specific, rapid, non-learned response.
In general the innate immune system is characterised by:
-being non-specific
-being a rapid, non-learned response
-Responding in a very similar manner each time there is an infection.
2 types of t cells?
T helper and specific t cells.
T helper is a specific cell and it icreases the number producing clones of the required type. They also develop into killer cells and stimulate B cells.
The specific T-cell for the particular antigen needs to bind to the antigen, before it is activated.
What is the MHC complex?
The multi histocompatability complex displays antigens on the surface of cells, and this display enables other cells of the immune system to bind th them and become activated.
What are the steps of the inflamatory process?
Mast cells release histamine. Histamine makes the capilaries dilate, releasing more blood cells (eg phagocytes) and blood clotting factors. Blood starts to clot with the help of platelets and phagocytes engulf foreign bodies. The phagocytes leave behind pus. The site heals.
