Human Mind and Body - Immune System and Disease Outline

A complete set of vocabulary flashcards covering pathogens, physical barriers, innate immunity, adaptive immunity, self and non-self recognition, and types of immunity based on the lecture outline.

4 Types of Pathogens

The main disease-causing entities identified as bacteria, virus, fungi, and parasite.

Infectious Disease vs. Non-infectious Disease

Infectious diseases are caused by pathogens and can be transmitted between organisms, whereas non-infectious diseases are not caused by pathogens and do not spread between hosts.

Disease Transmission

The mechanisms by which diseases spread from one host to another, including droplet infection and contaminated food.

First Line of Defence

Physical barriers to disease that prevent pathogen entry, categorized into chemical barriers and mechanical barriers.

Chemical Barriers (1st Line)

Chemical defenses in the first line of defence, such as lyzomes in tears.

Mechanical Barriers (1st Line)

Physical mechanical reflexes in the first line of defence that expel pathogens, such as the cough reflex.

Second Line of Defence

The innate immune system, which includes phagocytosis, macrophages and neutrophils, and the sequential inflammatory response.

Innate Immune System

The non-specific second line of defence comprising phagocytes (macrophages and neutrophils) and the inflammatory response in sequence.

Phagocytosis

The process performed by innate immune cells like macrophages and neutrophils to engulf foreign pathogens.

Macrophages + Neutrophils

Key phagocytic cells of the second line of defence (innate immune system) involved in engulfing pathogens.

Inflammatory Response

A sequential defense process that occurs in the innate immune system (second line of defence) during tissue infection or damage.

Self + Non-self Recognition

The immune system's mechanism for distinguishing host cells from foreign bodies, in which antigens play an essential role.

Antigens

Biological structures crucial for self and non-self recognition by the immune system.

Third Line of Defence

The adaptive immune system, composed of B cells, T cells, antibodies, and primary and secondary responses.

Adaptive Immune System

The specialized third line of defence that generates targeted immune responses using B cells, T cells, and antibodies.

B Cells

Lymphocytes of the adaptive immune system that differentiate into memory B cells and plasma cells.

Plasma Cells

A type of B cell in the adaptive immune system responsible for producing antibodies.

T Cells

Lymphocytes of the adaptive immune system that include memory T cells, helper T cells, and killer (cytotoxic) T cells.

Killer (Cytotoxic) T Cells

A subtype of T cell in the third line of defence that destroys pathogen-infected cells.

Helper T Cells

A subtype of T cell in the adaptive immune system that aids in coordinating the immune response.

Difference Between B and T Cells

B cells produce antibodies and differentiate into memory and plasma cells, while T cells include memory, helper, and killer (cytotoxic) cells.

Antibodies

Proteins produced by plasma B cells in the adaptive immune system that bind to specific foreign antigens.

Primary and Secondary Response

The initial adaptive immune response upon first exposure to an antigen (primary response) versus the faster, heightened response upon re-exposure (secondary response).

Active Immunity

Immunity generated when an individual's own adaptive immune system produces antibodies and memory cells following exposure to an antigen or vaccination.

Passive Immunity

Immunity acquired through the transfer of external pre-made antibodies, providing temporary protection without triggering an active immune response.

Vaccinations

An immunization technique that introduces antigens into the body to safely stimulate a primary response and confer active immunity.