Immunity and Inflammation - NURS 326 vid 19

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts from the lecture notes on immunity and inflammation.

Immunity

The body's defense system against infection and disease, combining innate (nonspecific) and adaptive (specific) responses.

Inflammation

Protective tissue response to injury characterized by vasodilation, increased permeability, leukocyte infiltration, and non-specific defense aimed at limiting damage and promoting healing.

First Line of Defense

Natural barriers: physical (skin, mucous membranes) and chemical barriers (mucus, acids, antimicrobial peptides, normal flora) that prevent pathogen entry.

Second Line of Defense

Inflammation; non-specific defense activated after tissue injury to contain damage and start healing.

Third Line of Defense

Adaptive immune response; specific defense involving lymphocytes and antibodies, with memory.

Lymph nodes

Secondary lymphoid organs where immune responses are coordinated; filter lymph.

Thymus

Primary lymphoid organ where T cells mature.

Spleen

Secondary lymphoid organ filtering blood and mounting immune responses.

Tonsils

Lymphoid tissues in the pharynx (including adenoids) that help defend against inhaled or ingested pathogens.

Adenoid

Lymphoid tissue located behind the nose; part of the tonsillar ring aiding defense against inhaled pathogens.

Mast cell degranulation

Release of mediators (e.g., histamine) from mast cells that promotes vasodilation and permeability.

Vasodilation

Widening of blood vessels, increasing blood flow to the affected area.

Increased vascular permeability

Leakage of plasma fluid into tissue during inflammation, leading to edema.

Exudate

Fluid rich in proteins and cells formed during inflammation; pus when neutrophils predominate.

Opsonin

Molecule that coats a microbe to enhance phagocytosis by neutrophils and macrophages.

Kinin system

Plasma protein cascade generating kinins (e.g., bradykinin) that promote vasodilation, permeability, and pain.

Complement system

Group of plasma proteins that aid inflammation and immunity via opsonization, chemotaxis, and lysis.

Clotting system

Coagulation cascade that forms clots to stop bleeding and trap pathogens; includes thrombin and fibrin.

Anaphylatoxins

C3a and C5a fragments from complement that promote inflammation and recruit leukocytes.

Membrane attack complex (MAC)

Complement complex that forms pores in bacterial membranes, leading to lysis.

Cytokines

Small signaling proteins that regulate inflammation and immune cell communication (e.g., IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α).

Acute inflammatory response

Rapid, short-term inflammation with redness, heat, swelling, pain, and sometimes fever.

Chronic inflammation

Long-lasting inflammation that can lead to tissue damage and granuloma formation; may occur if acute fails.

Pus

Exudate rich in dead neutrophils, tissue debris, and fluid from inflamed tissue.

Mast cell

Cell that initiates the inflammatory response by releasing mediators like histamine.

Wound healing

Process of tissue repair after inflammation, which can regenerate or form scar tissue.

First intention (primary healing)

Wound healing with minimal tissue loss and close apposition of margins.

Second intention

Wound healing with tissue loss; involves granulation tissue and scarring; slower.

Dehiscence

Wound pulls apart at the suture line.

Evisceration

Wound tears with protrusion of internal organs.

Hypertrophic scar

Raised scar confined within boundary of original wound due to excess collagen.

Keloid

Raised scar extending beyond the wound boundary due to excess collagen; may recur after removal.

Antigen

Substance that the immune system recognizes; self-antigens should not provoke an immune response.

Antibody (Immunoglobulin)

Protein produced by B cells that binds specifically to an antigen.

Humoral immunity

Antibody-mediated immunity produced by B cells.

Cell-mediated immunity

T cell-mediated immunity that attacks infected cells and coordinates immune response.

B lymphocytes (B cells)

Lymphocytes that mature in bone marrow and produce antibodies.

T lymphocytes (T cells)

Lymphocytes that mature in the thymus and mediate cellular immunity; include helper, cytotoxic, and regulatory T cells.

Immunoglobulin subclasses

IgG, IgA, IgM, IgD, IgE; each with distinct roles in immunity.

IgG

Most abundant antibody; provides systemic immunity and is key in antitoxins, bacteria, and viruses.

IgA

Antibody protecting mucosal surfaces (GI, respiratory, GU tracts).

IgM

First antibody produced in response to an antigen; large pentamer; involved in blood group antibody responses.

IgD

Antibody on B cell surfaces acting as antigen receptor.

IgE

Antibody involved in allergic reactions and defense against parasites.

Acquired immunity

Immunity gained after birth through infection or vaccination (active) or transfer of antibodies (passive).

Active immunity

Immunity resulting from exposure to antigen or vaccination; produces memory.

Passive immunity

Immunity obtained by transfer of antibodies from another source (fetal, breastfeeding, antisera).

Primary immune response

Initial antibody production; typically 5-7 days after first exposure; creates memory.

Secondary immune response

Faster, stronger antibody response upon second exposure due to memory B cells.

Antigen-presenting cell (APC)

Cell that displays antigen fragments to T cells to trigger adaptive immunity (e.g., dendritic cells, macrophages).