Immunity and Immune Response

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary and concepts related to the immune system and its functions.

Phagocytosis

Process by which white blood cells ingest and destroy waste and foreign material.

Natural Killer (NK) Cell

Type of lymphocyte that recognizes abnormal body cells and induces apoptosis.

Inflammation

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

Fever

Increase in body temperature that enhances immune response and inhibits pathogen growth.

Interferon

Group of signaling proteins that inhibit viral replication within cells.

Complement System

A set of proteins that enhance immune responses by promoting inflammation and phagocytosis.

Innate Immunity

Rapid, nonspecific defense mechanism against a wide range of microbes.

Acquired Immunity

Slower, specific immune response developed over time in response to specific pathogens.

Antigen

Foreign substance that induces an immune response.

B Cells

Lymphocytes that produce antibodies to neutralize pathogens.

T Cells

Lymphocytes involved in the cell-mediated immune response, including helper and cytotoxic T cells.

Helper T Cells

T lymphocytes that enhance the immune response by activating other immune cells.

Cytotoxic T Cells

T lymphocytes that directly kill infected or cancerous cells.

Regulatory T Cells

T lymphocytes that help regulate and suppress other immune responses.

Antibodies

Proteins produced by B cells that bind to specific antigens.

IgM

Type of antibody that is the first to respond to an infection.

IgG

Most common antibody in blood and extracellular fluid, crucial for controlling infections.

IgA

Antibody found in secretions like tears, saliva, and mucus.

Cytokines

Small proteins released by cells that affect the behavior of other cells in immune responses.

Interleukin

A type of cytokine that plays a key role in immune system signaling.

Granulocyte

A type of white blood cell that has granules in its cytoplasm and participates in inflammatory responses.

Macrophage

A type of phagocytic cell that engulfs and digests cellular debris and pathogens.

Kupffer Cells

Specialized macrophages located in the liver.

Lymph Node

Small organ that filters lymph and is a site for immune cell activation.

Spleen

Organ that filters blood and helps mount an immune response against pathogens.

Bone Marrow

Tissue where blood cells, including B cells and granulocytes, are produced.

Mucous Membranes

Protective layers that line the respiratory and digestive tracts, trapping pathogens.

Natural Immunity

Immunity that occurs naturally rather than through vaccination or medical intervention.

Acquired Immunity Characteristics

Specific response to pathogens, developed over time, and stimulated by antigens.

Primary Response

The initial response of the immune system to an antigen, usually slower.

Secondary Response

Faster, stronger response upon subsequent exposure to the same antigen.

Inflammatory Exudate

Fluid containing proteins, white blood cells, and debris that accumulates at the site of injury.

Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF)

A cytokine involved in systemic inflammation and activation of the acute phase reaction.

Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC)

Molecules on cell surfaces that present antigens to immune cells.

Pathogen

Microbial agent that causes disease.

Vasodilation

The widening of blood vessels to increase blood flow to tissues.

Phagocyte

Cells that can engulf and digest pathogens and cellular debris.

Cilia

Tiny hair-like structures that help move mucus and trapped particles out of the respiratory tract.

Pus

Thick fluid composed of dead cells, bacteria, and debris that forms at infection sites.

Immune Memory

Long-lasting ability of the immune system to recognize a previously encountered pathogen.

Cytotoxicity

Ability of certain immune cells to kill infected or cancerous cells.

Histamine

A chemical released during an inflammatory response that causes blood vessels to dilate.

Eosinophils

A type of white blood cell involved in allergic responses and fighting parasitic infections.

Plasma Cells

B cells that secrete antibodies specific to an antigen.

Serum

The clear fluid portion of blood that remains after clotting, containing antibodies.

Antigen-Receptor Complex

The structure formed when an antibody binds to its specific antigen.

T Cell Receptors (TCR)

Molecules found on T cells that recognize specific antigens presented by MHC.

Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor (GM-CSF)

A cytokine that stimulates the production of granulocytes and macrophages.