AP2 Lymphatic and Immune System

Immune System

A complex collection of cells and organs that neutralize pathogens to prevent disease or death.

Lymphatic System

Consists of vessels, cells, and organs that carry excess fluids to the bloodstream and filter pathogens from the blood.

Lymph

Interstitial fluid once it enters the lymphatic system.

Lymph Node

Small, bean-shaped organs that filter lymph and are staging areas for immune responses.

Lymphatic Capillaries

Terminal lymphatics where interstitial fluid enters to become lymph fluid.

Lymphocytes

Cells of the immune system that use lymphatic vessels and nodes for immune responses.

B Cells

Lymphocytes that produce antibodies.

T Cells

Lymphocytes that perform various functions in the adaptive immune response.

Plasma Cells

Differentiated B cells that secrete antibodies.

Natural Killer Cells

Lymphocytes involved in the innate immune response, destroying infected cells.

Phagocyte

Cell capable of phagocytosis, engulfing particles or cells to defend against pathogens.

Macrophage

Agranulocyte found in body cavities/organs, involved in phagocytosis.

Neutrophil

Granulocyte in the blood, participates in phagocytosis.

Monocyte

Agranulocyte in the blood, precursor of macrophage/dendritic cell.

Pattern Recognition Receptor (PRR)

Membrane-bound receptor recognizing pathogen-specific molecules.

Cytokines

Signaling molecules allowing cell communication over short distances.

Chemokines

Soluble mediators attracting cells from longer distances.

Early Induced Proteins

Proteins made as needed early during the innate immune response, not constitutively present in the body.

Inflammatory Response

The hallmark of the innate immune response involving inflammation, which can be initiated by infections or tissue injuries.

Complement System

Series of proteins constitutively found in blood plasma, part of the innate immune response.

Adaptive Immune Response

The immune response involving T and B lymphocytes, providing specificity and memory against pathogens.

T Cell-Mediated Immune Responses

Immune responses controlled by T lymphocytes, crucial for coordinating immune responses.

Immunological Memory

Feature of the adaptive immune response where the body "remembers" past pathogens for faster and stronger responses upon re-exposure.

Antibody Structure

Proteins secreted by B cells, with five classes (IgM, IgD, IgG, IgA, IgE) each with specific functions in the immune response.

Clonal Selection

Process where specific lymphocytes are stimulated to grow and respond to a particular antigen.

Autoimmune Responses

Immune responses where the body mistakenly attacks its own tissues, leading to various autoimmune diseases.

Hypersensitivities

Overreactions of the immune system to nonpathogenic substances, categorized into four types based on immune mechanisms.