the immune system Flashcards
what does the immune system do?
protects body by attacking pathogens
how do antigens trigger the release of antibodies and the production of memory lymphocytes?
when phagocytes engulf the antigens to remove them from the body, some of the lymphocytes remain the bloodstream as memory cells which can produce the specific antibody for the antigen. if the body is infected but the real pathogen, the memory cells release antibodies to fight off the pathogen and quickly destroy it
what the role of antibodies in the immune system?
the specifically target and neutralise pathogens and toxins. they recognise and bind to specific pathogens, marking them for destruction
what is the role of memory lymphocytes in triggering the secondary response?
can remember the antigens from an infection by a previous pathogen. a second exposure to it will result in a much faster immune response. antigens will be produced much faster
how do vaccinations protect the body against infections by pathogens?
involves introducing small quantities of dead or inactive forms of a pathogen into the body to stimulate the white blood cells to reduce antibodies so if the pathogen re-enters the body, antibodies will be produced rapidly
