The Immune Sustem Flashcards
Define: Immunity
Protection from infectious diseases
Define: Immunology
Ye study of immunity and the cellular / molecular events after their contact with foreign molecules
Define: immune system
Coordinated response by the immune system against foreign substances
Define: immunisation
Induction of immunity by vaccination
In order for the immune system to function, what are the main tasks it must fulfil
Recognition
Containment
Regulation
Memory
During recognition, the immune system must…
Recognise the presence of a pathogen. This is mediated through white blood cells and lymphocytes.
During containment the immune system must…
Contain (or better) the infection to prevent it spreading. This is mediated by complement system, phagocytosis and destruction by lymphocytes.
During regulation the immune system must…
Self regulate to avoid damage to the body
What happens is regulation of the immune system is out of control
Allergies
Autoimmmune diseases
Why is memory important in the immune system
Once exposed to an infectious agent, the immune system system must be able to set an immediate and strong response quickly
What are the 4 main features of the immune system
Specificity
Memory
Diversity
Self discrimination
What is specificity
Each response is unique to a particular antigenic determinant er epitope. For each determinant a specific lymphocyte will be induced
What is memory
Learns or remembers past experiences - memory lymphocytes stimulated by secondary response produce specific lymphocyte against antigen
What is diversity
Able to act against many different organisms due to its a bailout to distinguish subtle differences in structure
Wha is self discrimination
Distinguish self from non-self. Imbalance leading to auto-immune diseases
