SB5j Immune System Flashcards
activate
To make active, such as when a lymphocyte is triggered by a pathogen to start dividing rapidly.
antibody
A protein produced by lymphocytes. It attaches to a specific antigen on a microorganism and helps to destroy it.
antigen
A protein on the surface of a cell. White blood cells are able to recognise pathogens because of their antigens.
herd immunity
When the majority of people in a group are immunised, which provides protection to the few who are not by reducing their chance of meeting an infected person.
immune
When a person does not fall ill after infection, because their immune system attacks and destroys the pathogen quickly.
immunisation
Giving a vaccine that causes an immune response without the person becoming ill, and which will make the person immune to the pathogen.
lymphocyte
A type of white blood cell that produces antibodies.
memory lymphocyte
A lymphocyte that remains in the blood for a long time after an infection or vaccination.
MMR
Stands for measles, mumps and rubella. The vaccine given to develop immunity to these diseases.
secondary response
A much more rapid, and larger, production of antibodies to a pathogen when it infects the body again.
vaccine
A mixture containing weakened or inactive pathogens, or antigens from the pathogen. When put into the body it causes an immune response.