Innate Immune Response and Its Role in Protection

A set of flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to the innate immune response and its role in protection against pathogens.

Immune System

A complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that defend the body against harmful invaders, such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites.

Innate Immunity

The body’s first line of defense against invading pathogens, featuring an immediate and rapid response.

Adaptive Immunity

A specific defense system that develops in response to exposure to foreign substances (antigens).

Non-Specific Response

The innate immune response treats all germs like bacteria and viruses the same way.

No Memory

Innate immunity does not remember past infections, so if you encounter the same pathogen again, the response is the same.

Fast Response

Innate immunity acts quickly to help stop pathogens from spreading before the body develops a more specific defense.

External Defenses

Physical and chemical barriers designed to prevent harmful external agents from entering the body.

Mucous Membrane

Traps pathogens in respiratory, digestive, and urinary tracts.

Protective Secretions

Contain antimicrobial enzymes that destroy microbes; examples include tears, saliva, mucus, and sebum.

Phagocytic Cells

Cells that engulf and digest pathogens; include neutrophils and macrophages.

Natural Killer (NK) Cells

Cells that identify and destroy virus-infected cells or abnormal cells without prior exposure to the pathogen.

Antimicrobial Proteins

Proteins that help fight infections by attacking pathogens directly or preventing their reproduction.

Inflammatory Response

Triggered by chemical signals in response to injury or infection, it increases blood flow and brings white blood cells to the affected area.

Fever

A common response to infection that raises body temperature to inhibit pathogen growth.

Importance of Innate Immune System

Provides rapid response to limit infection spread and prepares the adaptive immune system for more targeted attacks.

Continuous Protection

Innate immune system offers ongoing protection against pathogens even without prior exposure.