Immunity Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering the lines of defense, non-specific immunity mechanisms, and specific immunity components.

1st Line of Defense

A line of defense designed to "keep them out" and attack anything dangerous, consisting of mechanical barriers, chemical barriers, and reflexes.

Mechanical Barriers

Physical barriers in the 1st line of defense, including the skin and mucous membranes, that keep germs out.

Chemical Barriers

Chemical secretions that kill and stop germs, such as tears, stomach acid, saliva, and sweat.

Reflexes

Actions in the 1st line of defense that get germs out, such as coughing, sneezing, vomiting, and diarrhea.

2nd Line of Defense

Defenses that "attack them" when germs enter the body, including phagocytes, inflammation, and fever.

Phagocytes

White blood cells that eat and destroy germs (germ-eating cells).

Inflammation

A response when an area gets injured or inflamed, causing the body to send extra blood and fluid there; signs include redness, heat, and swelling.

Fever

A defense mechanism where the body turns up its temperature to help phagocytes work and make it harder for some germs to multiply.

Specific Immunity

Immunity where the body knows who the specific germ is, utilizing antigens and antibodies.

Antigen

Something unwanted that triggers the immune system (think: enemy).

Antibody

Your body's weapon that recognizes and attacks the enemy (think: weapon).