The Innate Immune Response

These flashcards focus on the vocabulary related to innate immunity and its components.

Innate Immunity

A non-specific alarm system to pathogens and damaged cells, acting as first responders with a response that dissipates in 2 to 14 days.

Adaptive Immunity

Immune response characterized by a lag time, immunological memory, and a response that can last for years, varying based on the initial insult.

Phagocytosis

The process by which phagocytes engulf and digest material, including pathogens.

Cytokine Storm

A potentially deadly overproduction of cytokines during an immune response, leading to widespread tissue damage.

Pattern Recognition Receptors (PRRs)

Receptors on immune cells that recognize specific molecules, leading to cytokine secretion.

Complement System

A group of proteins that enhance the activities of the adaptive immune system through opsonization, lysis of foreign cells, and inflammatory response.

Chemotaxis

The movement of phagocytes towards the site of infection in response to chemical signals.

Diapedesis

The process by which phagocytes squeeze between endothelial cells to enter tissues.

Inflammation

A localized response to infection or tissue damage characterized by swelling, redness, heat, and pain.

Fever

A temporary increase in body temperature in response to illness or infection, aimed at inhibiting pathogen growth.