Serology Les. 1 Mod 1

These flashcards focus on key terms and definitions related to immunology, safety precautions in healthcare, and the functioning of the immune system.

Antigens

Substances that often attach to lymphocytes provoking an immune response to pathogens like bacteria and viruses. These came from our parents.

An example of an antigen

My Mom was known to have Type A blood, which means she has Type A antigens, and my Father has Type O blood. Therefore, I inherited Type AO blood, or Type AO antigens that make certain antibodies.

Antibodies

Proteins produced by the immune system to neutralize or destroy foreign substances. It must require exposure to antigens to produce this.

The definition of immunology broken down to 4 statements

1. The body must recognize self & produce antibodies to foreign invaders 2. Must work together well 3. The Good Ones make antibodies against foreign invaders, while the Bad Ones make antibodies against self 4. Vaccines are given to illicit an immune response, which is to cause antibody formation.

The most important and main function of the Immune System

Identifying you as YOU and defending you against any “non-you”s in the body

The first line of defense for the immune system and why

Unbroken skin and mucosal secretions because they both are full of Immunoglobulin A globulins

The six ways of classifying immunity

1. Natural 2. Acquired or Adaptive 3. Humoral 4. Cellular 5. Passive 6. Active

Active Immunity

Immunity that develops as a result of exposure to an antigen or vaccination, which is permanent or may require a booster over time to help it last.

2 ways immunity is Active

1. It’s Permanent/remains forever 2. The body makes it’s own antibody over and over again or it requires a booster to help overtime

Passive Immunity

Temporary immunity that is protective in the moment. For example, a mother provides it’s baby protection by supplying antibodies through the placenta until after it’s born.

4 examples of Passive Immunity

1. It’s temporary (goes away) 2. Mother provides immunity to the baby through the placenta 3. Breast Feeding (Breast milk with colostrum is good; which provides the antibodies babies need for protection again foreign substances 4. Rhogam Injections

T Lymphocytes

A type of white blood cell important for cellular immunity, responsible for identifying and attacking infected cells. AKA Mr. T.

B Lymphocytes

A type of white blood cell that produces antibodies and plays a key role in the humoral immune response.

Colostrum

The first milk produced by mammals after giving birth, rich in antibodies and essential nutrients for newborns.

Why we give mothers booster shots

Vaccine

A preparation that stimulates an immune response, often by introducing a harmless component of a pathogen.

Autoimmune Disease

A condition wherein the immune system mistakenly attacks its own healthy cells.

Natural Immunity

Immunity that is innate and natural; it occurs through natural exposure to pathogens.

3 listed ways Immunity is Natural

1. Inborn/Inherited Resistance 2. Developed through having a disease 3. Cellular immunity responds when the skin breaks from a cut or a tattoo, causing swelling and redness of the skin

Acquired Immunity

Immunity gained through exposure to an antigen, either through infection or vaccination.

Another way to describe Acquired or Adaptive Immunity (What if the Soldier B knows and remembers the new antigen?)

Mr. T Lymphocyte walks across to the Soldier B (Honey Bee) Lymphocytes with a new antigen attached to it. One of the Soldier B’s says, I know you and I remember you. Therefore, I will make more antibodies with it.

What if the Soldier B Lymphocyte say, “I don’t know you” to the new antigen? (Acquired/Adaptive Immunity)

The Soldier B Lymphocytes will 1. convert into plasma cells 2. Produce IgM immunoglobulins 3. clone themselves 4. produce IgG immunoglobulins 5. It’s memory of the antigen will stay forever

What if the Soldier B Lymphocyte say, “I know you and I’ve seen you and you are bad (horrible)” to the new antigen? (Acquired/Adaptive Immunity)

The Soldier B Lymphocyte clones will convert into plasma cells and produce a lot of IgG immunoglobulins and not produce IgM immunoglobulins

4 listed ways Immunity is Acquired or Adaptive

1. Vaccination 2. Immunoglobulin Infusion 3. Transfusion 4. Humoral immunity due to it developing overtime

Humoral Immunity

Immunity through producing antibodies that fight bacteria

3 listed ways immunity is Humoral

1. B Lymphocytes, which produce antibodies and fight bacteria 2. Plasma Cells 3. Injected Immunoglobulins

Cellular Immunity

A cell-mediated Immunity that reacts through cell-to-cell contact and reacts to products produced by cells. This functions as our primary defense against fungi, viruses, tumor antigens, and graft rejections.

5 ways immunity is Cellular

1. T-lymphs bind with antigens to present to B-lymphs so that B-lymphs can produce antibodies 2. Monocytes are phagocytic cells. 3. Neutrophils and monocytes both attack bacteria 4. Eosinophils that attack worms and suppress an immune response 5. Basophils that respond to allergies by producing histamines

The containers where sharps go

Plastic container

The container where Slides go

Biohazard containers

The container where things that are not sharps go

Plastic bag

What government agency is primarily responsible for safeguards and regulations to ensure a safe and healthful workplace throughout the United States?

OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)

The term Standard Procedure refers to

Both treating all specimens as if they are infectious and assuming that every direct contact with a body fluid is infectious