Introduction to Immunology: Innate Immune System

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts related to the innate immune system and immunology.

Innate Immune System

The non-specific defense mechanisms that are activated immediately or within hours of an antigen's appearance in the body.

Inflammatory Response

The body's initial response to harmful stimuli, characterized by blood vessel dilation, increased blood flow, and migration of immune cells to the affected area.

Phagocytosis

The process by which certain cells, like phagocytes, engulf and digest pathogens or debris.

Cytokines

Chemical messengers released by immune cells to communicate and coordinate the immune response.

Natural Killer (NK) Cells

A type of lymphocyte that can respond to virally infected or tumor cells without prior sensitization.

Pyrexia

A medical term for fever, often caused by the release of pyrogens during an immune response.

Antibodies

Proteins produced by B-cells that specifically target and neutralize foreign pathogens.

Neutrophils

A type of white blood cell that plays a critical role in the innate immune response by engulfing and destroying pathogens.

Phagocytes

Cells that protect the body by ingesting harmful foreign particles, bacteria, and dead or dying cells.

Interleukins

A group of cytokines that are produced by lymphocytes and have roles in the immune system's development and activation.