Untitled Flashcards Set

What are the main components of the first line of defense against pathogens?

The main components include skin (epidermis and dermis), mucous membranes, and antimicrobial chemicals.

What is the role of the epidermis in the first line of defense?

The epidermis consists of dead skin cells that help prevent pathogen entry due to its dry and salty environment.

What is phagocytosis?

Phagocytosis is the process by which phagocytes engulf and digest pathogens.

What sequence of events occurs during phagocytosis?

1) Chemoattraction, 2) Attachment, 3) Ingestion, 4) Destruction/Digestion, 5) Release.

What is the complement system?

The complement system is a series of proteins in fluids that aid in immune defense through pathways that target pathogens.

What are the benefits of the complement system?

It cleans up damaged cells, helps heal from injury, destroys bacteria, promotes inflammation, and enhances opsonization.

What are cytokines?

Cytokines are signaling proteins that regulate and mediate immune responses.

What is the function of interleukins in the immune system?

Interleukins promote inflammation and communicate with white blood cells to generate immune responses.

What initiates the inflammatory response to an invading bacterium?

The inflammatory response is initiated by the recognition of pathogens and the release of signaling molecules.

What is the difference between granulocytes and agranulocytes?

Granulocytes have lobed nuclei and granules, while agranulocytes have compact nuclei without visible granules.

What are the primary lymphatic organs?

Bone marrow and thymus are the primary lymphatic organs involved in producing and maturing immune cells.

What is a hapten?

A hapten is an incomplete antigen that can elicit an immune response only when attached to a larger carrier protein.

How does innate immunity differ from adaptive immunity?

Innate immunity is quick, non-specific, has no memory, while adaptive immunity is slower, specific, and has memory.

What is the first line of defense in the innate immune system?

The skin serves as the first line of defense, acting as an anatomical barrier to prevent pathogen entry.