Topic 13: Exercise and immunity Flashcards
State the function of the immune system
Protects the body from infectious disease. It is involved in tissue repair and protection against potential pathogens.
Outline the mechanisms the body uses in response to damage or an infectious agent (6)
INNATE: since birth
–> Physical: skin, epithelial linings, mucosal secretions
–> Chemical: pH of bodily fluids (stomach/saliva/sebum), hormones and other soluble factors
–> Leukocytes: white blood cells that fight disease
ADAPTIVE: mechanism that reacts to situations
–> Inflammation: transport blood into infected site, by capillary dilatation, to increase W.B.C levels
–> Clotting: stop the bleeding with help of platelets
–> Lymphocyte and antibody production: work against bacteria, CREATING ANTIBODIES that kill viruses
Describe the effects of intense and long-term training on the immune system (5)
An INTENSE BOUT OF EXERCISE can cause TISSUE DAMAGE and so is accompanied by responses that are similar to those of an infection:
1. increase in leukocytes
2. inflammation.
When TRAINING HIGH AND PROLONGED, there tends to be a decrease in immune function.
1. Increasing levels of CORTISOL and ADRENALINE over long periods suppress the immune system.
Discuss the relationship between exercise and susceptibility to infection (3)
Athletes are more susceptible to infections than their sedentary people because:
1. LOW LEUKOCYTE 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 increased rate and depth of breathing.
Describe STRATEGIES for minimizing risk from infection among athletes (7)
- Sufficient recovery time into training programs.
- Avoid contact with people with infections.
- Maintain oral hygiene.
- Maintain hydration status.
- Maintain good personal hygiene
- Maintain a suitable and varied diet.
- Ensure sufficient sleep.
Slide 143 of presentation
