immune system

What are common types of living organisms that act as pathogens?

Parasites, protozoa, fungi, and bacteria.

What type of pathogen is HIV classified as?

Virus.

What component of lymph contains white blood cells, protein, fats, and occasionally bacteria and viruses?

Lymph.

What is the function of lymph nodes in the lymphatic system?

To filter lymph and trap germs and abnormal cells.

What role does the spleen play in the lymphatic system?

Filters old red blood cells and fights infection.

What hormones are secreted by the thymus gland that control T cell development?

Thymosin and thymopoietin.

What is the primary function of phagocytic cells?

To surround and engulf invading bacteria.

What triggers the inflammatory response in the body?

Any injury.

What is the difference between B lymphocytes and T lymphocytes in terms of immunity?

B lymphocytes mediate antibody-mediated immunity; T lymphocytes mediate cell-mediated immunity.

What happens during the primary immune response?

It occurs on the first exposure to an antigen with a lag time of 3-6 days for antibody production.

What is tissue rejection in the context of organ transplantation?

It's when the recipient's immune system attacks the transplanted tissue or organ.

What are allergies classified as?

Hypersensitivity reactions.

What characterizes autoimmune disorders?

The immune system's inability to distinguish 'self' from 'non-self', targeting the body's own tissues.

What are the essential requirements to minimize the risk of tissue rejection?

A match of ABO and other blood group antigens and MHC antigens, with a 75% MHC match being essential.

What is the function of interferons in the immune response?

They are antiviral proteins.

What do memory B cells provide?

Long-term immunity.

What occurs during the secondary immune response?

It occurs on subsequent exposures to an antigen with a lag time measured in hours and produces much more antibody.

What do natural killer cells target?

Tumor cells.

What is the role of eosinophils in the immune response?

They target large parasites.

What happens to T cells as they mature in the thymus gland?

They are educated to distinguish between 'self' and 'non-self' before entering the bloodstream.