Cells of the Immune System

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to the cells of the immune system, focusing on both innate and adaptive immunity.

Innate Immunity

The body's first line of defense against pathogens, involving physical, chemical, and biological barriers.

Effector Cells

Cells that eliminate microbes after specialized cells capture and display microbial antigens.

Macrophages

A type of phagocytic cell that engulfs and digests cellular debris and pathogens; divided into free and fixed types.

Dendritic Cells (DCs)

Accessory cells that capture and present antigens to lymphocytes, serving as messengers between innate and adaptive immunity.

Mast Cells

Cells derived from mesenchymal tissue, containing granules with serotonin and proteolytic enzymes, involved in allergic responses.

Neutrophils

The most numerous type of granulocyte, playing a crucial role in inflammation and response to infection.

Eosinophils

A type of white blood cell responsible for the response to parasitic infections and modulation of inflammation.

Basophils

A type of white blood cell that releases histamine and plays a role in allergic reactions, constituting 1% of WBCs.

Natural Killer (NK) Cells

Lymphocytes that can kill tumor cells and infected cells without prior sensitization, lacking B and T cell receptors.

Humoral Immunity

A phase of adaptive immunity involving B-cells and the production of antibodies.

Cell-mediated Immunity

A phase of adaptive immunity involving T-cells that manage and direct immune responses.

Lymphocytes

Cells of the adaptive immune response, including T-lymphocytes and B-lymphocytes, responsible for specific immune functions.

Memory B Cells

B-lymphocytes that remain after an infection and can respond quickly upon re-exposure to the same pathogen.