just the immune system
First line of Defence
The initial barriers that prevents pathogens from entering the body. Examples; skin, mucous membranes, tears, and saliva
Second line of defence
The internal mechanisms that act once pathogens have entered the body. They act broadly against any pathogen rather than targeting specific invaders. Examples; phagocytes, and inflammation.
Third line of defence
also known as adaptive immunity. This involves specific immune responses tailored to specific pathogens. It “remembers” pervious infections to provide long-term protective. Examples; T cells and B cells
Physical barrier
Physical structures that prevent pathogens from entering the body. Examples; the skin, mucous membranes, and cilia
Chemical barrier
Substances that destroy or inhibit pathogens either on the body surfaces or internally. Examples; stomach acid, saliva, and enzymes in tears
Inflammation
A protective response involving immune cells, blood vessels, and molecular mediators. It aims to eliminate the initial cause of cell injury, clear out damaged cells, and initiate tissue repair.
White blood cell
Cells of the immune system that are involved in defending the body against both infectious disease and foreign invaders. There are several types, including phagocyte and lymphocytes (T and B cells)
Phagocyte
A type of white blood cell that “eats” and destroys pathogens by engulfing them. Common phagocytes include macrophages and neutrophils
Phagocytosis
a process where a cell binds to the item it wants to engulf on the cell surface and draws the item inward while engulfing around it. Often when its trying to destroy something.
T cells
A type of white blood cell that is crucial for cell-mediated immunity. They recognize and destroy infect cells, coordinate immune responses, and can “remember past infections”
B cells
A type of white blood cell that produces antibodies which target specific pathogens. They play a major role in the humoral immune response.
Memory cells
Specialized T and B cells that “remember” a specific pathogen after an infection has resolved or after vaccination. They provide rapid and robust responses upon subsequent exposures to the pathogen
Antibody
A protein produce by B cells that binds specifically to a particular substance, usually an antigen. Antibodies help neutralize or eliminate pathogens.
Antigen
A substance or molecule that is recognized by the immune system as being foreign, usually found on the surface of pathogens. It can trigger an immune response when detected
Lymphatic system
A system of vessels, nodes, and organs that transport lymph throughout the body. It plays a vital role in maintaining fluid balance, filtering harmful substances, and supporting the immune system.
lymphocyte
a type of white blood cell that is responsible for antibody production, the killing of virus infected and tumor cells, and regulation of the immune response.
Lymph
Keeps the body cells moist as well as transporting oxygen, hormones and nutrients to different parts of the body and removing metabolic waste from the cells. It transports antibodies and lymphocytes to the blood
Pathogen
An organism that wishes to cause disease to it’s host. Can be a virus, bacteria, fungi, or parasite.
Prions
a type of protein that can cause disease in animals and humans by triggering normally healthy proteins in the brain to fold abnormally. Example; Fatal Familial Insomnia and Kuru
viruses
an infectious agent that can only replicate within a host organism. Example; flu, cold
Bacteria
tiny, single-celled living organism. Can be helpful but also harmful. E-coli or Salmonella
Fungi
eukaryotic organisms that include microorganisms such as yeasts, molds, and mushrooms.
protozoa
microscopic unicellular eukaryotes that have a complex internal structure and carry out complex metabolic activities. Contain a nucleus and other cell structures (similar to plant and animal cells). Example; Malaria, Amoeba.
fever
an elevated body temperature that occurs when the is trying to kill an infection.
Parasite
an organism that lives on or in a host organism and gets its food from or at the expense of its host.
cellular pathogen
microorganisms that are composed of cells, such as bacteria and protozoa. These are able to grow and reproduce on their own.
non-cellular pathogens
microorganisms that are not composed of cells, such as viruses and prions, that are unable to reproduce or grow on their own.
host
an organism that is infected with or is fed upon by a parasite or pathogenic organism (a virus, nematode, or fungus)
endoparasite
a parasite that lives in the internal organs or tissues of its host. tape worm
ectoparasite
a parasite that lives on the skin of a host which they derive their sustenance. Tick or fleas
epidemic
a disease that affects a large number of people within a community, population, or region.
Pandemic
an epidemic that’s spread over multiple countries or continents
Active immunity
results when exposure to a disease organism triggers the immune system to produce antibodies to that disease. Can be acquired by natural immunity or vaccines.
passive immunity
provided when a person is given antibodies to a disease rather them producing them through their immune system.
vaccination
The act of introducing a vaccine into the body to produce protection from a specific disease.
ways viruses can spread
airborne, skin to skin contact, infection via contaminated food and water, infected animal bite / scratch.