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

Limit to the following.
* Innate:
– Physical: skin, epithelial linings,
mucosal secretions
– 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 leucocytes (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.
Leucocyte numbers drop compared to sedentary
people

Question 4

Discuss the relationship
between exercise and
susceptibility to infection

Answer 4

Athletes are more susceptible to infections than
their sedentary peers because of:
* lower leucocyte numbers caused by the
stress of the exercise
* inflammation caused by muscle damage
* greater exposure to airborne bacteria and
viruses because of an increased rate and
depth of breathing.
The relationship between exercise intensity
and susceptibility to disease can be seen as a
J curve because an elite athlete has not only to
be physically fit but also have an immune system
able to withstand infections, even during severe
physiological and psychological stress.
Moderate exercise, however, is associated with
reduced susceptibility to infection

Question 5

Describe strategies for
minimizing risk from
infection among athletes

Answer 5

Incorporation of sufficient recovery time into
training programmes.
* Avoid close contact with people with
infections.
* Maintain oral hygiene.
* Maintain hydration status.
* Ensure water is pathogen-free.
* Maintain good personal hygiene (for
example, washing hands, avoiding hand-to
mouth contact).
* Maintain a suitable and varied diet.
* Ensure sufficient sleep.