LL2

These flashcards cover key concepts related to immunity, including innate and adaptive immunity, the inflammatory response, and various immune cells and molecules.

C proteins

Also known as complement proteins, these stimulate an inflammatory response and enhance antibody function.

Histamine

Chemical released by mast cells that dilates blood vessels, increasing blood flow to areas of infection.

Mast cells

Cells found in tissues that release histamine and play a role in inflammatory responses.

Basophils

A type of white blood cell found in the blood, involved in the inflammatory response.

Phagocytosis

The process by which phagocytic cells engulf and destroy pathogens.

Neutrophils

A type of white blood cell that responds to infection and helps in phagocytosis.

Macrophages

Large phagocytic cells that engulf and digest pathogens and debris.

Membrane attack complexes (MACs)

Protein complexes that attack the plasma membranes of target cells, leading to cell lysis.

Inflammation

Localized tissue response to injury characterized by swelling, redness, heat, and pain.

Cardinal symptoms of inflammation

Swelling, redness, heat, and pain associated with an inflammatory response.

Necrosis

Tissue death, which can lead to pus formation.

Pus

A thick fluid made up of cellular debris, dead cells, and fluid from dead tissue.

Abscess

A localized collection of pus within tissue, often requiring drainage.

Clot formation

The process of platelets aggregating to seal a wound and prevent further bleeding.

Cytokines

Chemical signals released by neutrophils and macrophages that enhance immune response.

T cells

A type of lymphocyte involved in adaptive immunity, including helper, cytotoxic, regulatory, and memory T cells.

B cells

A type of lymphocyte that produces antibodies to neutralize pathogens.

Antibodies

Proteins produced by plasma cells that bind to specific antigens.

Active immunity

Immunity that develops after exposure to an antigen, requiring the body to produce antibodies.

Passive immunity

Immunity gained by receiving antibodies from another source, rather than producing them oneself.

Naturally acquired immunity

Immunity that develops after exposure to the pathogen in the environment.

Artificially acquired immunity

Immunity gained through intentional exposure to an antigen, often through vaccination.

Live attenuated vaccines

Vaccines that use weakened forms of the pathogen to elicit an immune response.

Interleukin-1 (IL-1)

A cytokine that plays a key role in regulating immune responses and inflammation.

Fever

A temporary increase in body temperature, regulated by pyrogens, that can inhibit pathogen growth.

Lymphopoiesis

The production of lymphocytes in the bone marrow and lymphoid tissues.

Natural killer cells

A type of lymphocyte that destroys infected or cancerous cells without prior sensitization.

Helper T cells

T cells that stimulate the activation and function of B and other T cells.

Cytotoxic T cells

T cells that directly attack and destroy infected or cancerous cells.

Regulatory T cells

T cells that moderate the activity of the immune response, preventing overactivity.

Memory T cells

T cells that remember previous encounters with specific antigens for faster response.

Antigen presenting cells (APCs)

Cells that display antigens to T cells to trigger an immune response.

Complement system

A group of proteins that enhance the immune system's ability to clear pathogens.

Adaptive immunity

A type of immunity that develops over time after exposure to specific antigens.

Innate immunity

The body's first line of defense, present at birth and non-specific.

Specificity of adaptive immunity

The ability of the adaptive immune system to target specific pathogens.

Immunity

The body's ability to resist infection and disease.

Antigen

Any substance that triggers an immune response.

Pathogen

An organism that causes disease, such as bacteria or viruses.

Inflammatory response

The body's immediate reaction to injury or infection, causing redness, heat, swelling, and pain.

Phagocytes

Cells that engulf and digest foreign particles and pathogens.

Prima cell

A specialized cell that produces and secretes antibodies.

Injury response

The initial reaction of the immune system to localized tissue damage or infection.

Vasodilation

The widening of blood vessels to increase blood flow to an area.

Vasopermeability

The ability of blood vessels to allow fluids to leak into surrounding tissues.

Acquired immunity types

Includes both active and passive mechanisms of immunity.

Humoral immunity

Immunity mediated by antibodies produced by B cells.

Cell-mediated immunity

Immunity that involves T cells directly attacking infected cells.

Fibroblasts

Cells that help heal damaged tissue by producing collagen and extracellular matrix.

Tissue repair

The process by which the body restores damaged tissues after injury.

Regeneration

The process of regrowth of cells and tissues after damage.

Inflammation resolution

The process by which the inflammatory response is terminated and healing begins.

Vaccine

A substance used to stimulate the production of antibodies and provide immunity.

Antigen exposure

The initial contact with a pathogen or vaccine that stimulates an immune response.

Cytotoxic action

The direct killing of infected cells by immune cells.

Non-specific defenses

General defenses that the body has at birth, such as skin barriers and certain white blood cells.

Antibody production

The process by which B cells produce antibodies in response to antigens.

Autoimmune disease

A condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues.