the immune and complimentary system Flashcards
give a definition of the immune system
a complex network of organs, cells and proteins that defends the body against infection whilst protecting the body’s own cells.
give a definition of the complimentary system
part of the immune system that cleans up damaged cells, helps the body heal and destroys any bacteria. It is the front line of defence in the immune system.
what is active and passive immunisation
ACTIVE - When the body is encouraged to make antibodies itself (eg vaccines)
PASSIVE - Antibodies are made by another organism and are seen as foreign, so are treated as foreign antigens by the immune system and is destroyed
what are the two types of white blood cell and what do they do?
LYMPHOCYTES - Lymphocytes recognises the antigens on the pathogens as foreign, then produces the anti-bodies to fight the pathogen. The pathogens can also cause you to feel ill, so the lymphocytes will produce antitoxins specific to the pathogen to remove the toxins.
PHAGOCYTES - Phagocytes attract and binds to the pathogen in the blood, then the phagocytes membranes surrounds the pathogen and engulfs it. They contain enzymes inside the cell that breaks down the pathogen.
where do white blood cells originate from?
White blood cells originate from stem cells found in the bone marrow.
how to white blood cells tackle infections?
White blood cells tackle infections by identifying the pathogen as foreign by the antigens, therefore releasing the antibodies to kill the pathogen.
how does the complimentary system work?
the complimentary system is made up of plasma proteins, and when the defence system is activated, the system targets the foreign invaders and activates inflammation to prevent infection. Then it removes the foreign invader.
It also enhances the body infection-fighting cells.
what do vaccines contain?
vaccines contain live pathogens treated so they are harmless, harmless fragments of the pathogen, dead pathogens and toxins by the pathogen.
