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

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to innate immunity and non-specific defenses of the host as discussed in Chapter 16.

Immunity

The ability to fight off pathogens and prevent disease.

Innate Immunity

Immunity or resistance to any pathogens; also known as non-specific immunity.

Adaptive Immunity

Immunity or resistance to specific pathogens; also known as specific immunity.

First Line of Defense

Physical barriers such as skin, mucous membranes, and chemical barriers that prevent pathogen entry.

Second Line of Defense

Includes formed elements in blood, phagocytosis, inflammation, fever, and antimicrobial substances.

Phagocytosis

The ingestion of microbes or other substances by a phagocyte.

Complement System

Proteins found in blood that enhance the immune system's ability to destroy pathogens.

Interferons (IFNs)

Small proteins produced by animal host cells in response to viral infection that help protect neighboring cells.

Normal Microbiota

Commensal microbes that reside in the body without causing harm and may provide benefits.

Chemotaxis

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

Ciliary Escalator

The mechanism by which cilia in the respiratory tract move mucus and trapped pathogens out of the body.

Inflammation

A localized tissue response that includes redness, heat, swelling, and pain to eliminate pathogens.

Histamine

A chemical released by basophils that increases blood vessel permeability during inflammation.

Fever

An increase in body temperature due to the release of cytokines, helping to fight infection.

Opsonization

The process by which complement proteins coat the surface of pathogens to enhance phagocytosis.

Granulocytes

A type of leukocyte with visible granules, including basophils, eosinophils, and neutrophils.

Agranulocytes

A type of leukocyte without visible granules, including lymphocytes and monocytes.

Leukocytes

White blood cells involved in immune responses.

Lysosome

An organelle containing enzymes used to digest pathogens within phagocytes.

Antibodies

Proteins produced by B cells that specifically bind to antigens on pathogens.

Cytolysis

The bursting of a pathogen's cell membrane due to the formation of a membrane attack complex.

Competitive Exclusion

The process by which normal microbiota outcompete pathogenic microbes to prevent infection.