Fever, Temperature Regulation, and the Immune System

These flashcards cover key concepts related to fever, temperature regulation, and the immune system, as discussed in the lecture.

Thermostat

The part of the hypothalamus that regulates body temperature.

Pyrogens

A substance that raises body temperature by stimulating the hypothalamus.

Endogenous Pyrogens

Pyrogens produced within the body by its own cells.

Exogenous Pyrogens

Pyrogens originating from outside the body, such as pathogens.

Cytokines

Proteins made by cells that can function as endogenous pyrogens.

Fever

A systemic increase in body temperature due to pyrogens affecting the hypothalamus.

Chill Phase

The initial phase of a fever where the body feels cold because its temperature is below the new thermostat setting.

Crisis Phase

The phase of a fever when the body's temperature is returning to normal from a fever.

Antibody

A protein produced by B cells that can bind to specific antigens.

Active Immunity

Immunity gained through exposure to antigens, leading to the production of antibodies.

Passive Immunity

Immunity acquired by receiving antibodies from another source, without the body producing its own.

Naturally Acquired Immunity

Immunity developed through natural exposure to pathogens.

Artificially Acquired Immunity

Immunity developed through medical interventions, such as vaccinations.

Vaccine

A preparation of killed or weakened pathogens used to stimulate an immune response.

Interferon

A group of signaling proteins made by the host cells in response to viral infection.

Complement System

A group of proteins that aids in the immune response by promoting inflammation and attracting phagocytes.

Opsonization

The process of marking pathogens for destruction by immune cells.

MAC (Membrane Attack Complex)

A structure formed by complement proteins that creates pores in the membranes of targeted pathogens.

Antibody

A protein produced by B cells that can bind to specific antigens.

Vaccine

A preparation of killed or weakened pathogens used to stimulate an immune response.

Antigen

A substance that can elicit an immune response, often specifically binding to antibodies or T-cell receptors.

B cell (B lymphocyte)

A type of white blood cell that produces antibodies and plays a central role in humoral immunity.

T cell (T lymphocyte)

A type of white blood cell that plays a central role in cell-mediated immunity.

Passive acquired immunity

Passive acquired immunity is when you receive antibodies made by another person or animal — instead of your own immune system making them.

Passive natural immunity

1. Antibodies are passed naturally from mother to child.