The Immune System Flashcards

Flashcards based on Biology 2E Chapter 42 Lecture Notes

What is immunology?

The study of internal defense systems in animals (including humans).

What are examples of pathogens the immune system fights?

Viruses, bacteria, protozoans, fungi, parasitic animals

What is immunity?

The ability to recognize and destroy foreign or dangerous pathogens.

What are antigens?

Identification molecules found on cell surfaces.

What are lymphatic vessels?

An extensive network of vessels that conduct lymph.

What are distinct organs of lymphatic tissue?

Spleen, tonsils, adenoids, appendix, and thymus

What is the innate immune system?

Provides immediate, general protection against pathogens, parasites, some toxins and drugs, and cancer cells; no memory.

What is the acquired/adaptive immune system?

Found only in vertebrate animals, highly specific and has memory.

What are the physical and chemical barriers of the innate immune system?

Skin, pH, body temperature , mucous membranes

Give examples of phagocytic cells.

Macrophages, monocytes, and neutrophils.

What is inflammation?

Localized accumlation of phagocytic cells and vasodilation

What cells are involved in the innate immune system?

Leukocytes (WBCs)

What are the granular leukocytes (granulocytes)?

Neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils

What are the agranular leukocytes (agranulocytes)?

Monocytes and lymphocytes

What is the function of Helper T cells?

Secrete cytokines and boost the function of other cells in the immune system

What is the function of cytotoxic T cells?

Attack cells that are infected with viruses, damaged, or cancerous

What are Antigen Presenting Cells (APCs)?

Macrophages

Where do B Cells Mature?

Mature in the bone marrow before colonizing lymphoid tissues throughout the body.

What two cells do B cell clones come in?

Plasma cells and memory cells

What is neutralization (antibody function)?

Blocking viral binding sites, coating bacteria.

What is agglutination?

Sticking multiple pathogens to each other.

What is precipitation?

Causing small molecules (toxins) to fall out of solution.

What is opsonization?

Binding of antibodies to a pathogen increases the probability that a macrophage will engulf it

What is Active Immunity?

The process by which an organism generates immunity through the training of the adaptive immune system by infection or vaccination

What is Passive Immunity?

Is obtained from antibodies actively produced by another organism

How does rheumatoid arthritis happen?

T cells produce a cytokine that promotes inflammation

How does multiple sclerosis happen?

TH cells attack self-myelin antigens

How does Systemic lupus erythematosus happen?

Autoimmunity to the individual’s own DNA and/or proteins

How do allergic reactions happen?

Hypersensitivity results in the manufacture of antibodies against mild antigens (allergens)

What is immunodeficiency disease?

Absence or failure of some component of the immune system

What causes Acquired ImmunoDeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)?

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

How does HIV limit the immune systems funtion?

It preferentially attacks CD4+ helper T cells

What is a quick test a doctor can use to test for HIV?

A simple ELISA

What viral enzymes does the Triple-combination treatment target?

Reverse transcriptase, integrase, and protease