Lymphatic System & Immunity Flashcards
leukocytes
Blood cells involved in defending the body against infective
organisms and foreign substances. Neutrophils, eosinphils, basophils, lymphocytes, and monocyctes.
innate immunity
Quick and non-specific form of immunity, providing a generalized protection from most intruding organisms and
toxins.
adaptive immunity
Immunity provided by specific immune responses that mature throughout life; involves B cells and T cells.
interleukins
Any of a class of glycoproteins produced by leukocytes for
regulating immune responses by leukocytes.
lymph
Fluid that is filtered out of the blood, similar to plasma but
containing white blood cells (lymphocytes) and chyle.
spleen
Largest lymphatic organ, produces blood cells, destroys
damaged blood cells, stores blood cells.
inflammation
A reaction to injury or infection that is characterized by pain, redness, and swelling.
macrophage
Large phagocyte found in lymph nodes and other tissues of the body, engulfs pathogens and other materials.
dendritic cells
Specialized white blood cells that patrol the body searching for antigens that produce infections, capture antigens
and deliver them to lymph nodes.
natural killer cells
White blood cells that kill or destroy body cells that are
infected with a virus. Non-specific.
antibodies
A blood protein produced by B lymphocytes in response to and counteracting a specific antigen.
antigens
Foreign substances that trigger the attack of antibodies in the immune response.
humoral immunity
Immune response in which B cells transform into plasma
cells and secrete antibodies.
cell-mediated immunity
Immune response produced by cytotoxic T cells that attack
infected or abnormal body cells.
helper T-cells
Activate B and T cells; control or limit specific immune response.
B-cells
Lymphocytes which produce antibodies to destroy antigens
cytotoxic T-cells
A type of lymphocyte that kills infected body cells and cancer cells. Specific.
histamine
Chemical stored in mast cells that triggers dilation and
increased permeability of capillaries.
interferon
Non-specific blood protein that blocks viral protein synthesis and activates natural killer cells and macrophages.
autoimmune
Diseases in which the body makes antibodies directed
against its own tissues
allergy
A specific reaction of the immune system to a foreign and
frequently harmless substance
passive immunity
Temporary immunity in which antibodies are given to a person rather than produced within the person’s own body.
