Immune and Lymphatic Systems Exhibition Stations

What is the function of the immune system?

The immune system protects the body from pathogens that can cause disease.

What are pathogens?

Microorganisms that can cause disease.

What are the four main types of pathogens?

Fungi, Protozoan parasites, Viruses, and Bacteria.

What characteristic differentiates fungi from other pathogens?

Fungi can be unicellular or multicellular and form spores transmitted through air or skin contact.

What are examples of fungi?

Mold, yeast, and ringworm.

What are protozoan parasites?

Single-celled eukaryotes that often require multiple hosts.

What are examples of protozoan parasites?

Amoebas, Giardia, and Plasmodia (malaria).

How are viruses defined?

Viruses are made up of encapsulated RNA or DNA and protein, and they are not cells.

What are some examples of viruses?

HIV, influenza, HPV, and shingles.

What type of cells are bacteria classified as?

Prokaryotic cells.

Why are most bacteria not harmful?

Most bacteria do not cause disease; they are the most common type of pathogen but most are harmless.

What are examples of harmful bacteria?

Streptococcus, anthrax, E. Coli, and Borrelia (Lyme disease).

What role does the skin play in the immune system?

The skin acts as the first line of defense against pathogens.

What do tonsils and adenoids do?

They create antibodies and specialized immune cells.

What is the function of the thymus?

It produces specific immune cells called 'T' cells.

What is the role of bone marrow in the immune system?

Bone marrow creates white blood cells that help fight infection.

What is the function of lymph nodes, tissues, and vessels?

They help trap and destroy foreign substances and filter them from the blood.

What does the spleen do?

It filters pathogens from the bloodstream and produces antibodies.

What is the role of white blood cells?

They destroy pathogens.

What is described as the body's first line of defense?

The skin.

What occurs when skin is broken?

Bacteria can enter the body, prompting a second line of defense.

What is the inflammatory response?

A rush of fluids to a wound bringing immune cells to fight infection.

Which chemical causes an inflammatory response?

Histamine.

How does a fever benefit the immune system?

It raises the body temperature to slow down the replication of pathogens.

What is the normal body temperature?

Approx. 98°F or 37°C.

What constitutes a low-grade fever?

Between normal and 100.4°F.

Why is a temperature above 103°F concerning?

Certain enzymes necessary for the body cannot function properly at high temperatures.

What are the two types of white blood cells?

Granular and mononuclear.

What do granular white blood cells contain?

Granules with powerful infection-fighting enzymes.

What is the function of phagocytes?

They engulf foreign invaders.

What are examples of phagocytes?

Neutrophils, mast cells, and macrophages.

What does 'phage' mean in Greek?

To eat or to devour.

What is innate immunity?

The nonspecific immunity you are born with.

What cells are involved in innate immunity?

Macrophages and neutrophils.

What characterizes adaptive immunity?

It is specific to certain pathogens and involves different types of cells.

What do mast cells do?

They help initiate the inflammatory response.

What is the role of macrophages in the immune response?

They are phagocytes that patrol tissues and engulf pathogens.

What are cytokines?

Chemical messengers released by immune cells.

What percentage of white blood cells are neutrophils?

About 70%.

What is pus a sign of?

White blood cells are involved in fighting an infection.

What are lymphocytes?

Majority of cells in the adaptive immune system, including T cells and B cells.

What do lymphocytes rely on to become activated?

Antigens.

How do antibodies function?

They bind to specific antigens like a lock and key.

What are antigens?

Foreign substances with specific proteins or sugars.

How do antibodies help with reinfection?

They help the body

What is the primary function of antibodies?

To identify and neutralize foreign objects like bacteria and viruses.

What is the role of the gastrointestinal tract in the immune system?

It helps to digest food and acts as a barrier against pathogens.

What is an autoimmune disease?

A condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own cells.

What is the function of the bone marrow?

It produces hematopoietic stem cells, which develop into different blood cells including lymphocytes.

What are memory cells?

Long-lived immune cells that remember specific pathogens for faster response upon re-exposure.

What do vaccinations stimulate?

The immune system to produce a memory of specific pathogens without causing disease.

What are the two main branches of the immune system?

Innate immunity and adaptive immunity.

What is the role of T cells?

They are critical in the immune response, including directly killing infected host cells.

What is a B cell's main role?

To produce antibodies in response to antigens.

What do cytokines do in the immune system?

They act as signaling molecules between cells to regulate immunity.

What is passive immunity?

Immunity gained through the transfer of antibodies from another source.

What defines active immunity?

Immunity that develops in response to exposure to a pathogen or vaccination.

How does the body recognize pathogens?

Through specific receptors on immune cells that bind to antigens.

What is the complement system?

A group of proteins that work with antibodies to destroy pathogens.

What are the signs of inflammation?

Redness, heat, swelling, and pain at the site of injury or infection.

What is natural killer (NK) cell activity?

A function of lymphocytes that help control infections by destroying infected cells.

What can cause an allergic reaction?

An overreaction of the immune system to a harmless substance.

What is immunotherapy?

A treatment that uses parts of the immune system to fight diseases like cancer.

What are dendritic cells?

Antigen-presenting cells that initiate the adaptive immune response.

How do mucosal barriers contribute to the immune system?

They protect surfaces exposed to the external environment, such as the gut and airways.

What role do gut microbes play in immunity?

They help to regulate immune responses and contribute to gut health.

What is the evidence of a secondary immune response?

A quicker and more robust response upon re-exposure to an antigen.

What is an antigen-presenting cell (APC)?

A cell that displays antigen on their surface to T cells to stimulate an immune response.

How do interferons help the immune system?

They are proteins released by cells that inhibit viral replication and activate immune cells.

What is the role of the thymus in the immune system?

It is where T cells mature and differentiate.

What are the effects of chronic inflammation?

It can lead to various diseases including heart disease and diabetes.

What is the role of sleep in immune function?

Adequate sleep is essential for maintaining a healthy immune system.

What can decrease immune response?

Stress, lack of sleep, and poor nutrition can all negatively impact immunity.

What are cytokine storms?

An excessive immune response that can lead to tissue damage.

What is the relationship between the immune system and cancer?

The immune system can recognize and destroy cancer cells, but tumors can also evade immune detection.

What are self-antigens?

Proteins produced by the body that can trigger an immune response if recognized as foreign.

What is an immunoglobulin?

Another term for antibodies produced by B cells.

What is herd immunity?

When a large percentage of a population is immune, protecting those who are not.

How do vaccines work?

They prepare the immune system to recognize and fight specific pathogens.

What is the difference between epidermis and dermis in immune function?

The epidermis provides a barrier while the dermis contains immune cells and structures.

What are complement proteins?

Proteins that enhance the ability of antibodies to clear pathogens.

How can exercise benefit the immune system?

Regular physical activity can improve immune function and reduce inflammation.

What is the role of the spleen in the immune system?

It filters blood, removing old or damaged blood cells and pathogens.

What is a lymphatic vessel?

A vessel that carries lymph, which is part of the immune system.

What triggers the activation of T cells?

Recognition of specific antigens presented by APCs.

What is a vaccine adjuvant?

A substance that enhances the body's immune response to an antigen.

What are the functions of granulocytes?

They are involved in the inflammatory response and fighting infections.

How do autoantibodies affect health?

They can target the body’s own tissues, leading to autoimmune diseases.

What are the two types of adaptive immunity?

Cell-mediated and humoral immunity.

What is the role of effector T cells?

They perform the actions of the immune response after activation.

Why are T regulatory cells important?

They help keep the immune response in check to prevent overactivity.

How does skin microbiome affect immune health?

It can train the immune system and provide additional protection against pathogens.

What is the main purpose of the mucosal immune system?

To protect mucosal surfaces and pathogens found in external environments.

What is humoral immunity?

The aspect of immunity that involves antibodies produced by B cells.

What are T helper cells?

A type of T cell that helps activate and direct other immune cells.

What role do dendritic cells play in the immune response?

They capture and present antigens to T cells to initiate an immune response.

What is the function of eosinophils?

They are involved in combating multicellular parasites and certain infections.

What is anaphylaxis?

A severe allergic reaction that can occur rapidly and affect multiple body systems.

What are the three main functions of the immune system?

To recognize pathogens, eliminate them, and remember them for future protection.

What is the role of B cells in adaptive immunity?

To produce antibodies and remember past infections.