Unit 2 - Immunology Flashcards
What is susceptibility
Vulnerability or lack of resistance
What is resistance
Ability to ward off disease through our defenses
What are the two different types of the body’s defenses
Non specific defences (innate)
Specific defences: immune response (acquired)
What is the first line of defence
Skin and mucous membranes, normal microbial flora
What is the second line of defence
Phagocytes, inflammation, fever, and antimicrobial substances
What is the third line of defence
Acquired immunity: lymphocytes and antibodies
What defences are considered non specific
1 and 2nd
What defences are considered specific
3rd line
What do non specific defences do
Protect us against any pathogen
Acts in the same way regardless of the pathogen
What is the mechanical process of the first line of defence
Physical barriers to entry or processes that remove microbes from body’s surface
What is the chemical form of the first line of defence
Substances made by the body that inhibit microbial growth and destroy them
Describe general characteristics of skin
Largest organ
3 layers: epidermis
Dermis
Hypodermis
Describe the epidermis
Top layer, consisting of dead cells rich in keratin
Describe the hypodermis
Sub cutaneous tissues
List some of the skin defences
Dryness and acidity of skin inhibit growth.
Skin shedding removes microbes on skin surface
Sebum creates a protective film that inhibits certain bacteria
Perspiration flushes the skin and has lysozymes to break down gram + bacteria cell walls
Which bacteria is usually involved in a dermatitis
Staphylococci bacteria since it is the normal inhabitant of the skin
Describe mucus membranes
Cover respiratory, gastrointestinal and urogenital tract. Less protective than skin. Epithelial layer secretes mucus which is a slightly viscous glycoprotein. Mucus traps microbes and dust which prevents tracts from drying
Describe the ciliary escalator
Mucus membrane cells are covered with cilia that move in a wave- like motion to propel microbes and dust that become trapped in mucus upward toward the throat where it is coughed, sneezed or swallowed.
Describe saliva
Helps dilute the numbers of Microorganisms and wash them from the surface of teeth and mucus membranes in the mouth. Contains lysozymes that break down bacteria
Describe the characteristics of the stomach
Gastric secretions are a mixture of hydrochloric acid, enzymes, mucus.
High acidity destroys most bacteria and toxins
Some Microorganisms enter intestines by being protected in food particles.
Describe the characteristics of urogenital tract
Flow of urine cleanses the urethra
Vaginal secretions move Microorganisms outside the body. Also slightly acidic to inhibit bacterial growth
Describe the lacrimal apparatus
Lacrimal glands produce tears, blinking spreads the tears over the eye, tears evaporate and drain into the nasolacrimal duct
What happens in the lacrimal apparatus if irritating substances or Microorganisms done in contact with the eye
Lacrimal glands produce more tears to wash away the irritating factor. Tears contain lysozyme.
What is commensalism
One organism benefits from a larger organisms which is unaffected
Where are normal microbiota found
Skin and GI tract.
What are normal microbiota good for
Reduces area available for pathogens to attach establish. Competes with pathogens for nutrients. Produces substances harmful to pathogens.alters conditions that affect the survival of pathogens. Usually harmless but can cause disease if conditions change
Describe the second line of defense
Phagocytosis, inflammation, fever, complement system, interferons
What is Phagocytosis
Ingestion of micro organisms or particles such as debris by phagocytic cells.
What white blood cells are Phagocytic
Neutrophils, eosinoPhils, macrophages
Phagocytosis is part of what process
Inflammation