Preventing and treating disease Flashcards
What are the two types of white blood cells
Lymphocytes
Phagocytes
How do lymphocytes fight pathogens (2)
Produce antitoxins
Produce antibodies
Explain how antitoxins fight pathogens
Bind to toxins and neutralise them
Explain how antibodies fight pathogens
They target specific pathogens by binding to antigens on pathogens surface
What is the function of white blood cells
To fight pathogens
How do phagocytes fight pathogens
Attracted to area of infection
Surrounds pathogen and engulfs it
Enzymes digest and destroy the pathogen
Define herd immunity
If a large portion of the population is vaccinated the disease is less likely spread even if some are unvaccinated
What are antibiotics
Medicines that can kill bacteria in the body
Why are specific antibiotics given for certain diseases
Specific bacteria can only be treated by specific antibiotics
What is on the rise concerning antibiotics
Antibiotics resistant strains of bacteria
So antibiotics will not be effective
Can you use antibiotics to treat viruses
No they do not affect viruses
Why are drugs that kill viruses not good
They damage the body’s tissues
What can people with a virus take
Painkillers to help with symptoms
Will painkillers destroy pathogens of a viral disease
No
Where does the heart drug digitalis come from
Foxglove plant
Where does aspirin painkiller come from
Willow trees
Who discovered penicillin and how
Alexander Fleming
Grew an accidental penicillium mould that was killing pathogens
What happens in the body after a vaccination
It stimulates lymphocytes/ white blood cells to produce correct antibodies
What happens if the same pathogen re enters the body after vaccination
Correct antibodies can be formed quickly to prevent infection
What is in a vaccine
Dead or inactive forms of pathogen
