immunity

This set of flashcards focuses on key vocabulary and concepts related to the immune system, covering aspects of both innate and adaptive immunity.

Immunity

The ability of an organism to resist infections or diseases through the immune system.

Antigen

A substance that induces an immune response, typically a protein or polysaccharide found on pathogens.

Lymphatic System

A network of vessels and tissues that helps to transport lymph and is crucial for immune responses.

Phagocytosis

The process by which a cell engulfs and digests foreign particles or microbes.

Inflammation

A complex response to injury or infection characterized by redness, heat, swelling, and pain.

Vascular Dilation

The widening of blood vessels that increases blood flow to a specific area, essential during inflammation.

Chemotaxis

The movement of immune cells towards a chemical signal, often from pathogens or damaged tissues.

Neutrophils

A type of white blood cell that engulfs and destroys pathogens during the immune response.

Interferons

Proteins produced by cells in response to viral infections, helping to protect nearby cells.

Complement Pathway

A system of proteins that enhances the ability of antibodies and phagocytes to clear pathogens.

Antimicrobial Peptides

Short peptide molecules that can kill bacteria by disrupting their membrane integrity.

B cells

A type of lymphocyte that produces antibodies as part of the adaptive immune system.

T cells

Lymphocytes that mediate immune responses, including helper and cytotoxic functions.

Vasoconstriction

The narrowing of blood vessels, which occurs immediately after an injury to reduce blood loss.

Mast Cells

Cells involved in allergic reactions and release histamine during inflammation.

Pus Formation

The accumulation of dead cells, bacteria, and white blood cells at an infection site, indicating inflammation.

Resolution

The final stage of inflammation where damaged tissue is repaired and inflammation subsides.

Pyrogens

Substances that induce fever by acting on the hypothalamus to increase body temperature.

Immunogens

Antigens that provoke an immune response.

Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC)

Molecules that present antigens to T cells, crucial for immune recognition.

CD Markers

Cluster of differentiation markers that are used to classify T cell types based on surface proteins.

Dendritic Cells

Antigen presenting cells that capture and present antigens to T cells.

Clonal Deletion

The process of eliminating self-reactive lymphocytes to prevent autoimmunity.

Memory Cells

Long-lived cells that remember specific pathogens to facilitate faster responses to future infections.

Adaptive Immunity

A specific immune response that develops with exposure to pathogens, characterized by memory.

B Cell Receptor (BCR)

The receptor on B cells that binds specific antigens; also referred to when secreted as antibodies.

T Cell Receptor (TCR)

The receptor on T cells that recognizes specific antigens presented by MHC.

Exudate

Fluid that accumulates at an inflamed site, containing proteins, white blood cells, and other substances.

Acute Inflammation

A short-term inflammatory response to injury or infection, usually resolving quickly.

Chronic Inflammation

A long-term inflammatory response that can result in tissue damage.

Humoral Immunity

The aspect of the immune response that involves B cells and the production of antibodies.

Cell-Mediated Immunity

The aspect of immunity that involves T cells and does not involve antibodies.

Scar Formation

The process of healing and repair that occurs after tissue injury.

Epitopes

Specific regions on antigens recognized by antibodies or T cell receptors.

Pathogen

An organism or virus that causes disease.

Lymphocytes

White blood cells that are key players in the immune response.

Antibodies

Proteins produced by B cells that specifically bind to antigens.

Systemic Inflammation

An inflammatory response that affects the entire body, rather than a localized area.

Inflammatory Response

The body's immediate response to injury or infection aimed at containing and eliminating the cause.

Lymph Nodes

Small structures that filter lymph and are sites for immune cell activation.

Spleen

An organ that filters blood and helps combat infection by producing lymphocytes.

Vaccine

A substance that stimulates an immune response to confer protection against specific pathogens.

Cytokines

Small proteins released by cells that have a specific effect on interactions and communications between cells.

Fevers' Role in Immunity

A physiological response that can inhibit pathogen growth and enhance immune function.