NRSE 2112 Pathophysiology - Immunity, Infection, and Skin Disorders (Vocabulary Flashcards)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts from immunity, infection, and skin disorders in the lecture notes.

HLA proteins

Human leukocyte antigens that label cells as self and help the immune system distinguish self from non-self.

Self

Cells that belong to the individual and are ignored by the immune system.

Non-self

Foreign antigens that the immune system recognizes and responds to.

Memory cells

Lymphocytes that remember a previously encountered antigen for a faster response on re-exposure.

Macrophages

Phagocytic cells that initiate the immune response by engulfing material and presenting antigens.

Monocytes

Blood-origin precursors that differentiate into macrophages in tissues.

T lymphocytes

Lymphocytes that mature in the thymus and mediate cell-based immunity.

Cytotoxic T killer cell

T cell that destroys infected or abnormal cells.

Helper T cells

T cells that assist in activating other immune cells.

Memory T cells

T cells that provide rapid response upon re-exposure to antigen.

B lymphocytes

Lymphocytes that produce antibodies; mature in bone marrow.

Humoral immunity

Antibody-mediated immune response produced by B cells.

Plasma cells

Activated B cells that secrete antibodies.

B memory cells

B cells that rapidly form clones of plasma cells after re-exposure.

Lymphocytes

White blood cells involved in adaptive immunity (T and B cells).

Antigen

A molecule or part of a molecule that the immune system can recognize as foreign.

Cell surface antigens

Proteins, polysaccharides, or glycoproteins on cell membranes that mark cells.

Natural immunity

Innate, nonspecific immunity present at birth.

Adaptive immunity

Specific immunity developed after exposure to antigens, with memory.

Innate immunity

Non-specific first line of defense; rapid and no prior exposure needed.

Passive immunity

Immunity transferred from another source (e.g., maternal antibodies).

Active immunity

Immunity developed by the individual’s own immune response (infection or vaccination).

Primary immune response

Initial, slower immune response to first exposure to an antigen.

Secondary immune response

Faster, stronger response due to memory from prior exposure.

Acquiring immunity

Process of gaining immunity through natural exposure or vaccination.

Allergy

Hypersensitivity to environmental antigens causing an exaggerated immune response.

Type I hypersensitivity

IgE-mediated allergic reaction with histamine release and inflammation.

IgE

Antibody class involved in allergic reactions and defense against parasites.

Mast cell degranulation

Release of histamine and other mediators from mast cells during allergy.

Anaphylaxis

Severe, life-threatening systemic hypersensitivity reaction.

Hay fever

Allergic rhinitis; nasal symptoms due to environmental allergens.

Atopic dermatitis

Chronic itchy inflammatory skin condition linked to allergies.

Asthma

Chronic inflammatory airway disease often associated with allergy.

Type II hypersensitivity

Cytotoxic hypersensitivity with antibodies against cell-surface antigens.

IgG

Antibody class often involved in Type II reactions; mediates cytotoxicity.

IgM

First antibody produced in an immune response; active in early Type II reactions.

Cytotoxic hypersensitivity

Antigen on cell membrane leads to destruction via phagocytosis or enzymes.

Destruction by phagocytosis

Removal of antibody-coated cells by phagocytes in Type II reactions.

Incompatible blood transfusion

Transfusion reaction when donor and recipient blood types are not compatible.

Type III hypersensitivity

Immune complex hypersensitivity with antigen–antibody complexes deposited in tissues.

Immune complex

Antigen–antibody complex that triggers inflammation via complement.

Complement activation

Activation of the complement system leading to inflammation and tissue damage.

Glomerulonephritis

Kidney inflammation caused by immune complex deposition.

Rheumatoid arthritis

Autoimmune disease with immune complex–mediated joint inflammation.

Type IV hypersensitivity

Cell-mediated or delayed hypersensitivity involving sensitized T lymphocytes.

Delayed hypersensitivity

Response that occurs 24–72 hours after exposure due to T-cell activity.

Lymphokines

Cytokines produced by lymphocytes that mediate immune responses.

Tuberculin test

Skin test to detect delayed-type hypersensitivity to TB antigens.

Contact dermatitis

A local inflammatory skin reaction to contact with irritants or allergens.

Alloimmunity

Immune reaction to tissues from another individual of the same species.

Autoimmunity

Immune system attacks the body’s own tissues.

Autoimmune disorder

Disease in which the immune system targets self-antigens.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)

Autoimmune disease affecting multiple organ systems; often in women.

Butterfly rash

Typical facial malar rash seen in SLE.

Alloantigen

Nonself antigen from another individual that can trigger an alloimmune response.

Transfusion reaction

Immune reaction to incompatible blood transfusion.

ABO blood group

Blood group system defined by A and B antigens on red cells; ABO typing.

Universal donor

Type O blood; can donate to anyone.

Universal recipient

Type AB blood; can receive any blood type.

MHCs (HLAs)

Major histocompatibility complex antigens involved in graft recognition.

Hyperacute rejection

Immediate graft rejection due to preexisting antibodies.

Acute rejection

Graft rejection occurring days to months after transplant.

Chronic rejection

Gradual graft deterioration over months/years.

Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD)

Donor immune cells attack recipient tissues after transplantation.

Allograft

Graft transplanted between genetically different members of the same species.

Isograft

Graft between genetically identical individuals (e.g., identical twins).

Autograft

Graft taken from the same individual (self).

Xenograft

Graft from a different species.

Primary immunodeficiency

Congenital defect causing improper immune function.

Secondary immunodeficiency

Acquired immune deficiency due to disease or therapy.

Prophylactic antimicrobial medications

Preventive antibiotics used to reduce infection risk.

Opportunistic infection

Infection by organisms that typically do not cause disease in healthy hosts.

Complement deficiencies

Defects in the complement system increasing infection risk.

Normal flora

Resident microbes in or on the body that can aid or harm the host.

Pathogen

Disease-causing microorganism.

Bacteria

Microscopic single-celled organisms; some cause infection.

Fungi

Organisms including yeast and molds that can infect skin and nails.

Protozoa

Single-celled parasites causing various infections.

Viruses

Non-living obligate intracellular parasites that replicate inside host cells.

Prions

Infectious proteins that can cause neurodegenerative diseases.

Spores

Dormant, resistant forms produced by some bacteria and fungi.

Endogenous microorganisms

Microbes already present in the body’s microbiome.

Exogenous microorganisms

Microbes acquired from outside the body.

Direct transmission

Infectious agent passed through direct contact with an infected person or lesion.

Indirect transmission

Infectious agent spread via intermediaries like fomites or contaminated objects.

Fomite

Inanimate object capable of transmitting infection.

Droplet transmission

Spread via respiratory droplets expelled during coughing or sneezing.

Airborne transmission

Spread through small particles that travel in the air.

Vector

Insect or animal that transmits pathogens to humans.

Nosocomial infection

Infection acquired within a healthcare setting.

Incubation period

Time from exposure to onset of first symptoms.

Prodromal stage

Early symptom stage when illness begins but is not yet full-blown.

Invasion (acute illness) period

Pathogens multiply and cause peak illness.

Convalescence

Recovery phase with decreasing symptoms.

Leukocytosis

Elevated white blood cell count, often bacterial infection.

Leukopenia

Reduced white blood cell count, may accompany viral infections.

C-reactive protein (CRP)

Blood marker indicating inflammation.

Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)

Blood test reflecting inflammatory activity.

Culture

Laboratory growth of microorganisms to identify pathogens.

Gram stain

Microscopic method classifying bacteria by cell wall properties.