Unit 3: diseases and immune system Flashcards
where the disease lives out in nature
disease reservoir
the germ which causes the disease
disease agent
the way the germ is spread
disease vector
the most important defense we have against invading germs
the skin
proteins that assist the immune system
antibodies
a shot to give you an immunity
vaccine
the cells which fight off germs
white blood cells
Why do we get fevers?
The body is trying to denature the germs.
Why do we get runny noses?
The body is trying to flush out the germs.
Why do we have stomach acid?
To denature germs we eat with our food.
Why do we get tired when we are sick?
The body moves iron from the blood to the bones so the germs can’t use it to reproduce. Without iron, you are temporarily anemic, less able to transport oxygen, which is used to burn glucose for energy.
Why do cuts get swollen?
The body rushes blood (containing white blood cells) to the wound. At the same time, it closes blood vessels leading away from the wound so that the infection doesn’t spread.
What are allergies?
The immune system fighting off a safe substance
What is pus?
white blood cells and germs
How do vaccines work?
Dead or weakened germs are injected into you. Your white blood cells eventually find the right antibody to fight that germ. When you encounter the live germ, your body already knows how to fight it off.
