Immune System Flashcards

A complete set of vocabulary flashcards covering the concepts, cell types, immunity categories, and disease transmission methods outlined in the lecture.

Immune System

The body’s defense system made of organs, tissues, cells, and chemicals that protect the body from harmful pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and toxins.

Phagocytosis

A process where white blood cells engulf and destroy pathogens.

Natural Killer (NK) Cells

Immune cells that destroy infected or cancerous cells.

Cytokines

Chemical signals or messengers that help immune cells communicate and coordinate responses.

Interferons

Chemical signals that help coordinate immune responses and slow virus spread.

Complement System

A group of proteins in the blood that attack pathogens and help immune cells respond faster.

Macrophages

Large white blood cells that engulf pathogens, remove dead cells, trigger inflammation, and help repair tissues.

Lymphocytes

White blood cells that identify and destroy harmful invaders and help create immune memory for faster future protection.

Phagocytes

Immune cells that act as the body’s first line of defense by engulfing and digesting pathogens and cellular debris.

Antibody

A Y-shaped protein produced by B cells that recognizes and binds to specific antigens to neutralize or mark pathogens for destruction.

Antigens

Molecules found on the surface of pathogens or abnormal cells that trigger an immune response.

Humoral Immunity

Immunity involving antibodies produced by B cells in body fluids to fight pathogens.

Cellular Immunity

Immunity involving T cells that destroy infected or abnormal cells directly.

Active Humoral Immunity

Long-lasting immunity that occurs when the body produces its own antibodies after exposure to a pathogen or vaccine.

Passive Humoral Immunity

Immediate but short-term protection that occurs when antibodies are received from another source instead of being made by the body.

Helper T Cells

T cells that activate and direct other immune cells to fight infection.

Regulatory T Cells

T cells that slow down, suppress, or stop immune responses to prevent damage to healthy body cells.

B cells

White blood cells that develop in the bone marrow, produce antibodies, and create memory cells.

T cells

White blood cells that develop in the thymus, help coordinate immune responses, and attack infected body cells.

Inflammation

The body’s protective response to injury or infection that causes redness, heat, swelling, and pain while helping healing begin.

Immunological Memory

The immune system’s ability to remember pathogens and respond faster and stronger if exposed again.

Droplet Transmission

The spread of pathogens through coughing or sneezing onto another person, such as Influenza or SARS.

Direct Physical Contact Transmission

The spread of pathogens through touching an infected person, including sexual contact.

Indirect Physical Contact Transmission

The spread of pathogens by touching contaminated surfaces or objects, such as Norwalk virus.

Airborne Transmission

Transmission where microorganisms remain suspended in the air for long periods, such as Tuberculosis or Chickenpox.

Fecal-Oral Transmission

The spread of pathogens through contaminated food or water, such as Cholera.

Vector Transmission

The spread of pathogens through animals that carry disease-causing organisms, with the mosquito being the most common vector.

Innate Immunity

The body’s immediate, nonspecific defense against pathogens that is present at birth.

Adaptive Immunity

A specific immune response that develops after exposure to pathogens and creates memory for future protection.

Vaccine

A preparation containing antigens from weakened or dead pathogens that stimulates the body to produce immunity.

Serum

The clear liquid portion of blood containing antibodies used for diagnostic tests, blood typing, and providing immediate protection.

DPT

A vaccine protecting against diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus.

MMR

A vaccine protecting against measles, mumps, and rubella.

Booster Shots

Injections needed to strengthen and maintain immunity over time.