a&p2 lymphoid and immune system (unit 2)

This set of flashcards covers key concepts from Chapter 21 on The Lymphoid and Immune Systems, including anatomy, functions, and immune responses.

What bacterium do human cells harbor in a greater number than human cells?

Bacterial cells (10 times more than human cells).

What is the microbiome?

Microorganisms residing on and in the human body.

What is the primary function of the immune system?

To defend the body from agents of disease.

What system is primarily associated with immune cells?

The lymphoid (lymphatic) system.

What are pathogens?

Organisms capable of causing illness, including viruses, bacteria, fungi, and other microbes.

What are the functions of the lymphoid (lymphatic) system?

Maintain fluid balance, protect the body from infection, and disease.

What does 'edema' refer to in the lymphatic system?

Swelling due to an accumulation of fluid, often caused by blocked lymphatic vessels.

What is lymph?

A clear, colorless fluid similar to plasma, but with much less protein.

What is the structure of lymphatic capillaries?

Closed at one end, with loosely overlapped endothelial cells that create flaps to allow fluid entrance.

What is the role of lymphatic vessels?

To transport lymph throughout the body.

What are the primary lymphatic organs?

Red bone marrow and thymus.

What is the function of the spleen?

Filters blood, removes old blood cells, and helps fight infections.

What are the two types of immunity?

Innate immunity and adaptive immunity.

What is innate immunity?

Defenses we are born with, providing broad spectrum protection without prior exposure.

What is adaptive immunity?

Defensive responses developed after exposure to specific pathogens.

How does the body recognize antigens?

Antigens are any molecules that trigger an immune response.

What are antibodies?

Defensive proteins that play various roles in immune response.

What is the difference between passive and active immunity?

Active immunity involves production of antibodies by one's own immune system; passive immunity involves receiving antibodies from another source.

What are lymph nodes primarily responsible for?

Cleansing lymph and alerting the immune system to pathogens.

What cells are classified under lymphocytes?

Natural killer (NK) cells, T lymphocytes (T-cells), and B lymphocytes (B-cells).

What are macrophages?

Antigen presenting cells that engulf pathogens and present antigens to T-cells.

What is fever in response to infection?

An abnormal elevation of body temperature that promotes immune function.

What triggers inflammation?

Tissue injury or infection.

What are the cardinal signs of inflammation?

Redness, swelling, heat, and pain.

What is the role of cytotoxic T cells?

To directly attack and destroy infected or cancerous cells.

What type of immunity do B cells provide?

Humoral immunity, including the production of antibodies.

What is the difference between primary and secondary immune responses?

Primary response occurs on first exposure to an antigen, while secondary response occurs on subsequent exposures, usually stronger.

What is a hapten?

An incomplete antigen that is too small to provoke an immune response by itself.

What is the function of dendritic cells?

To act as antigen-presenting cells that activate T cells.

What do natural killer cells do?

Continually patrol the body for pathogens and diseased cells, destroying them.

What is the role of helper T cells?

To enhance the activities of other immune cells.

How do antibodies neutralize pathogens?

By binding to antigens and tagging them for destruction.

What are the three functions of the spleen?

Blood production, blood reservoir, and immune reaction monitoring.

What are tonsils?

Patches of lymphatic tissue located at the entrance to the pharynx.

What is the significance of lymphocyte circulation?

Allows for quick immune response by distributing immune cells throughout the body.

What leads to lymphedema?

Interference with lymphatic drainage.

What are antigen-presenting cells (APCs) required for?

To help T cells recognize antigens.

What does the complement system do?

A group of proteins that enhance the immune response.

What does self-tolerance refer to in immunity?

The immune system's ability to distinguish self from non-self.

What are common autoimmune diseases?

Rheumatoid arthritis, Type I Diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and lupus.

What are the components of the adaptive immune response?

Cellular immunity and humoral immunity.

What is the role of interleukins in the immune system?

They are chemical messengers that facilitate communication between immune cells.

What could result from a severely suppressed immune response?

Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

What virus is responsible for causing AIDS?

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

What is one consequence of a high fever?

It can potentially lead to delirium or coma at extreme temperatures.

What is a cytokine?

A signaling molecule that helps regulate immune response.

How do B cells produce antibodies?

They differentiate into plasma cells upon exposure to specific antigens.

What is lymphadenopathy?

A collective term for lymph node diseases.

What is the blood-thymus barrier?

A barrier formed by epithelial cells in the thymus that isolates developing T cells from foreign antigens.

What stimulates vasodilation during inflammation?

Histamine released by basophils.

What is the primary cause of swollen lymph nodes?

An immune response to foreign antigens.

What does the term 'metastasis' refer to?

Cancerous cells breaking free from the original tumor to establish new tumors in other body parts.

What is the role of the blood thalamus barrier?

To protect developing T lymphocytes from exposure to foreign antigens.

What structure connects the thymus with the immune system?

The lymphatic system.

What are the three stages in the life of a T cell?

Birth in bone marrow, training in the thymus, and deployment.

What can elicit the release of antimicrobial proteins?

Infection by pathogens.

What is the major function of lysozymes found in mucus?

To destroy bacterial cell walls.

What molecule resets the body thermostat higher during fever?

Prostaglandin E (PGE).

What is the outcome when a natural killer cell identifies a harmful cell?

It releases perforins to destroy the infected cell.

What are macrophages derived from?

Monocytes.

In what locations are specialized macrophages found?

Skin, lungs, liver, and brain.

What is the importance of the antigen-binding site on antibodies?

It attaches to the epitope of an antigen molecule.

What are the effects of aging on the immune system?

Reduction in immune response effectiveness.

What are vaccine booster shots intended for?

To restimulate immune memory and maintain immunity.

What do lymphatic trunks drain?

Major portions of the body.

What is the connection between antibodies and pathogens?

Antibodies bind to pathogens to neutralize them or mark them for destruction.

What distinguishes primary humoral immunity from secondary humoral immunity?

The strength and speed of the response is greater in secondary immunity.

How does HIV primarily affect the immune system?

By targeting and destroying helper T cells.

What is the function of the thymus in immune system development?

It is where T lymphocytes mature and become immunocompetent.

How are lymph nodes structured?

Elongated, bean-shaped with several afferent and efferent lymphatic vessels.

What is meant by 'induced passive immunity'?

Temporary immunity gained from receiving pre-formed antibodies.

What is the role of spleen's white pulp?

To monitor blood for foreign antigens.

What are the main areas where lymph nodes are concentrated?

Cervical, axillary, thoracic, abdominal, intestinal, inguinal, and popliteal regions.

What is chronic inflammation associated with?

Conditions like arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease.

What do T lymphocytes recognize?

Antigens presented by antigen-presenting cells through MHC proteins.