Immune System and Exercise

Vocabulary flashcards covering the immune system, inflammation, and the impact of exercise on immunity.

Phagocyte

A type of immune cell that engulfs and digests foreign bodies, functioning like Pac Man in the immune system.

Macrophage

A large phagocyte that cleans up debris and helps repair tissues after damage.

Neutrophils

The first responders of the immune system that arrive at the site of infection or injury to clean up.

Cytokines

Chemical messengers in the immune system that signal other cells to come to the site of inflammation or infection.

Acute Inflammation

A short-term inflammatory response characterized by redness, heat, swelling, and pain in a localized area.

Chronic Inflammation

Prolonged inflammation that does not resolve and can damage tissues over time, often associated with diseases.

Vasodilation

The widening of blood vessels to increase blood flow to an area, causing redness and heat.

Capillary Permeability

The ability of capillaries to allow substances to pass through their walls, essential for effective immune response.

Chemotaxis

The movement of cells in response to chemical signals, often toward sites of injury or infection.

Immunosuppression

The reduction of the immune response, which can occur during organ transplantation or severe stress.

Open Window Theory

The concept that after intense exercise, the immune system is temporarily weakened and more susceptible to infection.

Antibody

A protein produced by B cells that tags foreign pathogens for destruction by the immune system.

B Cells

Immune cells that produce antibodies to neutralize pathogens but do not kill them directly.

T Cells

Immune cells that can directly kill infected or cancerous cells, playing a crucial role in adaptive immunity.

Natural Killer Cells

A type of immune cell that destroys infected or cancerous cells by lysis.

Nociceptors

Pain receptors in the body that detect damaging stimuli, contributing to the sensation of pain.

Bradykinin

A chemical that can stimulate pain receptors and is released during inflammation.