Non-specific Resistance Mechanisms

These flashcards cover key concepts related to non-specific resistance mechanisms, including definitions and descriptions of important terms and processes.

Resistance

The ability to fend off an infection or disease.

Pathogen

An organism that can cause disease, including viruses, bacteria, protists, and fungi.

Susceptible

Unable to fight off an infection.

Susceptibility

The tendency to succumb to an infection or disease.

Non-specific Resistance

A type of immunity that is not particular about what it protects against and is effective against a wide range of pathogens.

Specific Resistance

An immunity that is very specific, often targeting particular serotypes.

Natural Barriers

Physical barriers such as skin and membranes that provide non-specific defense.

Sebum

Oil from sebaceous glands in skin with antimicrobial properties.

Inflammation

A local defensive response to injury, characterized by redness, heat, swelling, and pain.

Phagocytosis

The process by which cells engulf particles and bring them into the cell.

Complement System

A group of plasma proteins that play a key role in enhancing phagocytosis and lysing pathogens.

Cytolysis

The breakdown of cells, often caused by the rupture of the cell membrane.

Interferon

Proteins produced in response to viral infections that help protect neighboring cells.

Fever

An elevation of body temperature that is part of the body's defensive response.

Chemotaxis

The movement of cells towards a chemical signal, often in response to infection.

Erythema

Redness of the skin due to increased blood flow during inflammation.

Edema

Swelling caused by the accumulation of fluid in tissues.

Leukocytes

White blood cells that are involved in the defense against infections.

Monocytes

A type of white blood cell that can differentiate into macrophages and is involved in chronic infections.

Opsonization

The process of marking pathogens for destruction by phagocytic cells.