Introduction to Pathogens and Immunology

These flashcards cover key concepts related to pathogens and the immune system as presented in the lecture notes.

Pathogen

An organism that causes disease in its host.

Ectoparasites

Parasites that live on the outside of a host organism.

Endoparasites

Parasites that live inside the host body.

Innate Immune System

The non-specific first line of defense against pathogens that is always present.

Adaptive Immunity

The specific immune response that develops as a result of exposure to pathogens.

Variolation

An early method of vaccination that involved the introduction of material from a scab of a smallpox patient to induce immunity.

Serum

The clear liquid that separates from blood when it clots, containing antibodies and other proteins.

Immunoglobulins

Proteins that function as antibodies in the immune response.

Cytokines

Small proteins that are crucial in controlling the growth and activity of other immune system cells and blood cells.

Complement

A group of proteins in the blood that help antibodies kill target cells.

Phagocytosis

The process by which certain immune cells engulf and digest pathogens.

Chemotaxis

The movement of an organism or cell in response to a chemical stimulus.

Pseudopod

Temporary projections of a cell, such as a phagocyte, used to engulf other cells or particles.