J: Transport in Cells & Animals Flashcards
Antibiotics
Substances that kill bacteria and fungal infections.
Antibody
Protein produced by the body’s immune system that attacks foreign invaders (antigens).
Antigens
Foreign cells/viruses/poisons that trigger an immune response.
Arteries
Thick-walled muscular tubes which carry blood away form the heart.
Capillaries
Narrowest blood-vessels, which leaky walls for exchange of substances with surrounding tissues.
Concentration gradient
The ‘steepness’ of difference in concentration between two adjacent areas. Particles will diffuse down the concentration gradient from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration, moving faster the steeper gradient.
Dilated
Widened or expanded.
Flaccid
Lacking turgor; lacking in stiffness or strength.
Haemoglobin
The red protein found in red blood cells that transport oxygen round the body.
Immune system
The body’s defence system against diseases and infections.
Lymphocytes
White blood cells which attack pathogens by producing antibodies.
Osmoregulation
Process of keeping a constant amount of water and salts in the blood.
Passive immune system
The body’s natural barriers which are always there, e.g. the skin.
Pathogens
Micro-organisms that cause disease.
Plasma
Liquid, non-cellular part of the blood.
Plasma (blood)
The liquid part of the blood. It contains useful things like glucose, amino acids, minerals, vitamins (nutrients) and hormones, as well as waste materials such as urea.
Platelets
White blood cell fragments which circulate in the blood and assist in clotting.
Red blood cells
Cells which contain haemoglobin and carry oxygen.
Turgit
Having turgor; enlarged and swollen with water.
Vaccinating
Immunising by introducing harmless pathogens; inoculating.
Vaccines
Substances containing disabled antigens of a particular disease, usually administered via injection. Vaccines stimulate the body to produce antibodies to provide immunity against that disease.
Valves
Structures containing a flap or flaps to ensure one-way flow of liquid.
Veins
Thin-walled, valved tubes which carry blood back to the heart.
White blood cells
Cells which fight disease by making antibodies or engulfing germs.
