T6 Non specific immunity

Question 1

Explain the process of inflammation

Answer 1

1. There is an injury to the tissue Histamines are produced by mast cells. Causes vasodilation to occur and water diffuses out of the blood and localised oedema occur Macrophages come to site via the blood
2. Macrophages squeeze through pores in the blood cells and undergo phagocytosis
3. Tissue repair - damage tissue replaced

Question 2

Outline the stages of phagocytosis

Answer 2

1. foreign material enclosed in vesicle (phagosome) by endocytosis
2. Lysosome containing digestive enzymes (lysozyme) fuses with phagosome to form phagolysosome
3. Enzymes are released from the lysosome which destroy the bacteria/foreign matter
4. Soluble debris excreted
5. Antigen of pathogen presented by cell (for specific immunity)

Question 3

How are macrophages adapted

Answer 3

• Lack of cholesterol in cell walls mean they can squeeze through pores in inflammation
• Contains lysozyme to digest pathogens