Chapter 16: Innate Immunity: Non-Specific Defenses of The Host

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to innate immunity and its mechanisms of action.

Immunity

The ability to fight off pathogens and prevent disease.

Host Resistance

The ability of a host to maintain immunity against pathogens.

Innate Immunity

Non-specific immunity that individuals are born with; it does not discriminate among pathogens.

Adaptive Immunity

Specific immunity that develops later and targets specific pathogens.

Phagocytosis

The process by which phagocytes engulf and digest pathogens.

Chemical Barriers

Substances such as lysozymes that help destroy pathogens on the skin and mucous membranes.

Normal Microbiota

Non-pathogenic microorganisms that inhabit the human body and can provide competitive exclusion of pathogens.

Complement System

A group of proteins in the blood that enhance the immune response and help destroy pathogens.

Inflammation

A response to tissue injury or infection that involves increased blood flow and immune cell activation.

Fever

An increase in body temperature as part of the immune response to eliminate pathogens.