Medical Interventions Vocab

Antibody

Protein molecule released by plasma cells which binds to a specific antigen

Antigen

Substances or part of a substance recognized as foreign by the immune system; activates the immune system and reacts with immune cells

Artificially Acquired Immunity

Defense against pathogen infection obtained through the use of vaccines or other treatments

B Cells

White blood cells which oversee humoral immunity and differentiate into antibody-producing plasma cells

Fibrin

Fibrous insoluble protein formed during blood clotting

Immune System

Body system responsible for attacking foreign substances or preventing their entry into the body

Inflammation

Innate defense of the body to tissue injury; usually including the dilation of blood vessels, increased capillary permeability, and production of redness, heat, swelling and pain

Memory Cells

Members of the B cell and T cell families which “remember” previous infectious agents so future infections by the same pathogens can be met with a faster response

T Cells

White blood cells which help maintain immunity and include helper T cells, cytotoxic T cells, and regulatory T cells

Vaccine

Biological preparation used to provide artificially acquired active immunity