Communicable Diseases and the Immune System

These flashcards cover key concepts related to communicable diseases, methods of disease transmission, and the immune system.

What is a communicable disease?

Any disease that can be spread from one living thing to another.

Name an example of a communicable disease.

The cold.

What is disease transmission?

Ways that people 'catch' sickness.

What is direct contact in disease transmission?

Physical contact with an infected person.

Give an example of direct contact.

Breathing in a sneeze or cough.

What is indirect contact in disease transmission?

Germs spreading through the environment.

What is a fomite?

Contaminated objects that can spread germs.

Give examples of fomites.

Door handles, ATMs, gym equipment, shared pens.

What is a vector in disease transmission?

An uninfected living thing that carries germs to a new host.

Name two examples of vectors.

Ticks and mosquitoes.

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

Physical barriers that stop germs from entering the body.

Give examples of physical barriers.

Skin, tears, mucus, cilia (nose hairs).

What is the goal of the second line of defense in the immune system?

To kill germs before they multiply.

What are some examples of chemical barriers?

Saliva, stomach acids, urine, semen.

What happens in the third line of defense during an immune response?

Blood rushes to the germ and/or site of injury so that white blood cells can destroy the germs.