Immune System

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to the immune system, including definitions of terms and explanations of processes.

Resistance to disease, provided by the immune system's two intrinsic systems: innate and adaptive defenses.

Immunity

The non-specific defense mechanisms of the immune system that includes surface barriers and internal defenses such as phagocytes and inflammation.

Innate Defenses

The specific defense mechanisms of the immune system that are tailored to attack particular foreign substances.

Adaptive Defenses

Immune cells that engulf and digest pathogens and debris.

Phagocytes

Substances that can mobilize the adaptive defenses and provoke an immune response.

Antigens

A type of white blood cell involved in the adaptive immune response.

Lymphocytes

A form of adaptive immunity that involves B cells and the production of antibodies.

Humoral Immunity

A form of adaptive immunity that involves T cells and the direct attack on infected or abnormal cells.

Cellular Immunity

Lymphocytes that mature in the thymus and are involved in managing the immune response and directly attacking infected cells.

T Lymphocytes (T cells)

Lymphocytes that mature in the red bone marrow and are responsible for producing antibodies.

B Lymphocytes (B cells)

The widening of blood vessels, which occurs during inflammation to increase blood flow to affected areas.

Vasodilation

Fluid that leaks out of blood vessels and accumulates at the site of inflammation, carrying proteins and antibodies.

Exudate

The ability of the immune system to remember past infections and respond more rapidly upon re-exposure to the same antigen.

Immunological Memory

The initial response of the immune system to a specific antigen upon first exposure.

Primary Immune Response

The response of the immune system upon re-exposure to the same antigen, characterized by a quicker and stronger antibody response.

Secondary Immune Response

A chemical released by mast cells that plays a role in the inflammatory response.

Histamine

Memory Cells

Specialized lymphocytes that remain in the body after an infection, allowing for a quicker response to future exposures to the same antigen.

Substances, often produced by leukocytes, that induce fever by acting on the hypothalamus.

Pyrogens

The process initiated by the inflammatory response to restore damaged tissues.

Tissue Repair

A group of proteins that enhance the ability of antibodies and phagocytes to clear pathogens.

Complement System

Cells that present antigens to T cells, crucial for the activation of the adaptive immune response.

Antigen-Presenting Cells (APCs)

T cells that kill infected or cancerous cells.

Cytotoxic T Cells

T cells that assist other immune cells in the immune response.

Helper T Cells

Proteins in the blood that help form clots to isolate damaged areas during inflammation.

Clotting Factors

Immunity acquired through natural exposure to pathogens.

Natural Immunity

Immunity acquired through medical interventions, such as vaccinations.

Artificial Immunity

Immunity developed as a result of infection or vaccination that leads to long-lasting protection.

Active Immunity

Temporary immunity gained through the transfer of antibody-rich fluid from another person, such as maternal antibodies.

Passive Immunity

What is the first line of defense in the innate immune system?

Skin and mucosae

What is the most important mechanism of the innate immune system's second line of defense?

Inflammation

What triggers the inflammatory response?

Injury or infection of body tissues

Which inflammatory mediator is released by mast cells?

Histamine

What is the role of exudate during inflammation?

To deliver clotting proteins and antibodies to the site of injury

What is the primary benefit of moderate fever?

Speeds up repair by increasing metabolic rate

What is the third line of defense in the immune system?

Adaptive immune response

What characteristic of the adaptive immune system allows it to respond faster upon re-exposure to the same antigen?

Memory

What is the primary function of T lymphocytes?

Attack and destroy foreign cells

Where do T cells mature?

Thymus

What is the first encounter between an antigen and a naive immunocompetent lymphocyte called?

Antigen challenge

What is the lag period for the primary immune response?

3-6 days

What happens during the secondary immune response?

Memory cells respond within hours

What is the role of plasma cells in humoral immunity?

Secrete antibodies

What type of molecule can provoke an immune response?

Antigen

What is the primary role of B lymphocytes?

Produce plasma cells that secrete antibodies

What is the main difference between humoral and cellular immunity?

Humoral immunity involves antibodies, while cellular immunity involves T cells

What is the function of antigen-presenting cells (APCs)?

Present antigens to T cells

What is the primary benefit of the inflammatory response?

Prevents the spread of damaging agents

What is the role of pyrogens in fever?

Reset the body’s thermostat upward

What is the primary function of complement proteins in the immune system?

Enhance the inflammatory response and destroy pathogens

What is the role of kinins in the inflammatory response?

Cause vasodilation and increased vascular permeability

What is the main function of memory cells in the adaptive immune system?

Provide a faster and stronger response upon re-exposure to the same antigen

What is the benefit of antibodies binding with greater affinity during the secondary immune response?

Enhances the ability to neutralize and eliminate pathogens