Topic 13

Question 1

State the function of the immune system:

Answer 1

The immune system protects the body from infectious disease. It is involved in tissue repair and protection against potential pathogens.

Question 2

Outline the mechanisms the body uses in response to damage or an infectious agent.

Answer 2

innate:
Physical: skin, epithelial linings, mucosal
Chemical: pH of bodily fluids, hormones and other soluble factors
Leucocytes: white blood cells that fight disease

Adaptive:
Inflammation
Clotting
Lymphocyte and antibody production

Question 3

Describe the effects of intense and long-term training on the immune system.

Answer 3

An intense bout of exercise can cause tissue damage and so is accompanied by responses that are similar to those of an infection, such as:

increase in leukocytes (dependent on the duration and intensity of exercise)
inflammation.
When training loads are high and prolonged, there tends to be a decrease in innate and adaptive immune function.

• Sustained increases in levels of cortisol and adrenaline over long periods suppress the immune system.
  Leukocyte numbers drop compared to sedentary people.

Question 4

Discuss the relationship between exercise and susceptibility to infection.

Answer 4

· Athletes· Athletes are more susceptible to infections than their sedentary peers because of:
I. lower leucocyte numbers caused by the stress of the exercise
2. Inflammation caused by muscle damage
3. Greater exposure to airborne bacteria and viruses because of an ↑ rate and depth of breathing are more susceptible to infections than their sedentary peers because of:
I. lower leucocyte numbers caused by the stress of the exercise
2. Inflammation caused by muscle damage
3. Greater exposure to airborne bacteria and viruses because of an ↑ rate and depth of breathing

Question 5

Describe strategies for minimising risk from infection among athletes

Answer 5

· Good hygiene, limit hand mouth contact-wash hand, skin, clothes, rest, recovery, Diet, avoid other with infections