Unit 3: Neurobiology and immunology - Non specific body defences Flashcards
What is immunity?
The ability of the body to recognise and neutralise or destroy harmful foreign substances in the body.
What are pathogens?
Disease causing organisms.
What does the body defend itself against by means of immune system?
Disease - causing organisms (pathogens), some toxins (poisons produced by living things) and cancer cells.
What are the 3 lines of defence of the body?
1) Non - specific - physical and chemical defences.
2) Non - specific - inflammatory response, phagocytosis, natural killer cells.
3) Specific - Lymphocytes, production of antibodies.
What does non-specific defences mean?
They work against ANY type of disease causing agent.
What do specific defences mean?
That its components each work against a particular pathogen.
What are the cells involved in the immune system?
White blood cells along with others.
What do epithelial cells do?
Epithelial cells form a physical barrier.
Where are epithelial cells found?
In the skin and line the respiratory and digestive systems.
What do epithelial cells provide?
The first line of defence against pathogens provided they remain intact as they form a protective barrier.
