the immune system (immunity) Flashcards
what does a vaccine contain?
antigens from a dead/weakened pathogen
why do we have vaccines?
body produces memory cells against a pathogen without causing disease, faster stronger secondary response
what is herd immunity?
a large proportion of the population has been vaccinated which makes it difficult for a pathogen to spread in that population
what is antigen variation?
where pathogens change their surface antigens, which means that when you are re infected, memory cells will not recognise antigens so the primary response has to be initiated
what is active immunity?
when your immune system makes its own antibodies after being stimulated by an antigen
what is natural active immunity?
when you become immune after catching a disease
what is artificial active immunity?
when you become immune after a vaccination
what is passive immunity?
when you become immune after being given antibodies made by a different organism
what is passive natural immunity?
when a baby becomes immune due to the antibodies it receives through its mother, through placenta and breast milk
what is passive artificial immunity?
when you become immune after being injected with antibodies from someone else
which type of immunity requires antigen exposure?
active
which type of immunity offers immediate protection?
passive
which type of immunity produces memory cells?
active
why does active immunity give long term protection?
antibody is produced in response to complementary antigens being present in the body
why doesn’t passive immunity offer long term protection?
antibodies given are broken down
