Lymphatic and Immune System Review

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary and concepts from the Lymphatic and Immune System lecture, aiding in the understanding and memorization of important terms.

Lymphatic Capillaries

Small vessels that collect lymph fluid from tissues and transport it to lymph nodes.

Natural Killer Cells

Type of white blood cell involved in the innate immune response that targets and destroys virus-infected cells.

Phagocytosis

The process by which certain cells engulf and digest particles or pathogens.

Antigen-Presenting Cells (APCs)

Cells that present antigens to T cells, facilitating the adaptive immune response.

Innate Immunity

The body's first line of defense against pathogens, involving nonspecific responses.

Adaptive Immunity

The immune response that adapts to specific pathogens, involving memory and targeted actions.

MHC Class I

Molecules found on all nucleated cells that present intracellular antigens to CD8 T cells.

MHC Class II

Molecules found on antigen-presenting cells that present extracellular antigens to CD4 T cells.

Opsonization

The process by which pathogens are marked for destruction by phagocytes through the binding of antibodies or complement proteins.

Immunological Memory

The ability of the immune system to remember previous encounters with pathogens, leading to faster responses upon re-exposure.

Clonal Selection

The process by which specific B cells are activated and proliferate in response to an antigen.

Hyper sensitivity

An exaggerated immune response that can lead to tissue damage.

Fever

An increase in body temperature as a response to infection, which enhances the immune response and hinders pathogen growth.

Complement System

A series of proteins in the blood that enhance the immune system's ability to clear pathogens.

Interferons

Proteins released by virally infected cells that warn nearby cells to protect themselves.

T Cell Activation

The process that requires the presentation of antigens by APCs and signals to activate T cells.

B Cell Immunity

Also known as humoral immunity, primarily involving the production of antibodies by B cells.

Autoimmunity

A condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues.

Immunodeficiency

A condition in which the immune system's ability to fight infectious disease is compromised.

Adjuvants

Substances that enhance the body's immune response to an antigen.

Antibodies

Proteins produced by B cells that specifically bind to antigens to neutralize or mark them for destruction.

Secondary Immune Response

The immune response that occurs upon re-exposure to an antigen, which is faster and more effective than the primary response.