Innate Immunity: Non-Specific Defenses of The Host

Flashcards focused on key vocabulary terms and definitions related to innate immunity and non-specific defenses.

Immunity

The ability to fight off pathogens and prevent disease.

Innate Immunity

The non-specific defense system that a person is born with; does not discriminate among pathogens.

Host Resistance

The ability of a host to resist disease due to effective immune responses.

Host Susceptibility

The vulnerability of a host to disease due to lacking immune defenses.

Pathogen

Any organism (such as bacteria, viruses, or fungi) that can cause disease.

Phagocytosis

The process in which phagocytes ingest and destroy pathogens.

Cytokines

Chemical signals released by cells to promote immune responses.

Inflammation

A localized physical condition characterized by redness, swelling, heat, and pain as part of the immune response.

Complement System

A series of proteins in the blood that enhance the ability of antibodies and phagocytic cells to clear pathogens.

Microbial Competition

The competition between normal microbiota and pathogenic microbes for resources.

Formed Elements

Cells and cell fragments found in blood that play a role in immune response.

Normal Microbiota

The community of microorganisms that normally live in and on the human body without causing harm.

Antimicrobial Substances

Proteins and compounds that inhibit or kill pathogens.

Fever

An increase in body temperature, often induced by infection, aimed at enhancing the immune response.

Opsonization

The process of marking pathogens for destruction by phagocytes.