Validation Flashcards
What is the definition of disease?
Anything that causes your body to stop working properly.
What is an infectious disease?
Also known as communicable diseases; can be spread from person to person.
What causes infectious diseases?
Pathogenic microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites.
What are pathogens?
Disease-causing agents that lead to illness.
What are bacteria?
Microscopic, unicellular (one cell) organisms.
What role do bacteria play in the environment?
- Decomposers
- Aid in animal digestion
- Help control insects
- Used to make medicines and break down pollutants.
What are pathogenic bacteria?
Bacteria that cause disease.
Give examples of bacterial diseases.
- Tetanus
- Whooping cough.
What are antibiotics?
Substances that kill or prevent the growth of bacteria.
What was the first successful antibiotic?
Penicillin.
What is the first line of defense against pathogens?
Prevents pathogens from entering the body.
What are some components of the first line of defense?
- Skin
- Fluids (tears and saliva)
- Air filtration in the nose
- Stomach acid.
What happens in the second line of defense?
Inflammation occurs, and white blood cells called neutrophils consume bacteria.
What is the role of neutrophils?
Consume bacteria during the inflammatory response.
What characterizes the third line of defense?
Activation of the lymphatic system.
What are lymph nodes?
Swellings in the lymphatic system that contain white blood cells.
What are the functions of macrophages and lymphocytes?
- Macrophages destroy pathogens
- Lymphocytes produce antibodies.
What are antibodies?
Chemicals made by the immune system that allow white blood cells to destroy pathogens.
How does the body build immunity?
By making antibodies faster upon subsequent encounters with a pathogen.
What is the effect of fever on pathogens?
Increases body temperature, making it harder for pathogens to function.
What is the purpose of quarantining individuals?
Keeps them isolated to prevent the spread of disease.
What is a vaccine?
Chemicals that cause the body to react as if it had met the pathogen.
What is an example of a disease that requires a booster vaccine?
Tetanus.
What is Salmonella?
A bacteria that causes gastroenteritis.
How can Salmonella infections be prevented?
By practicing good hygiene and safe food preparation.
What is herd immunity?
Protection of vulnerable individuals in a community through widespread vaccination.
What are anti-vaccination advocates concerned about?
Effectiveness, safety, and necessity of vaccines.
True or False: All bacteria are harmful.
False.
Fill in the blank: The first line of defense includes the _______.
Skin.
