immune responses

First layer of defense

The initial protective barriers against pathogens, including skin, cilia, stomach acid, mucus, and saliva.

Cilia

Tiny hair-like structures that help trap and move particles out of the respiratory system.

Phagocytes

A type of white blood cell that engulfs and absorbs bacteria and other small cells.

Phagocytosis

The process by which phagocytes absorb and engulf particles or pathogens.

B cells

A type of white blood cell that produces antibodies to neutralize pathogens.

Antibodies

Proteins produced by B cells that bind to specific antigens to help destroy pathogens.

T cells

A type of white blood cell that plays a central role in the immune response by analyzing pathogens.

Killer T cells

T cells that directly destroy infected or cancerous cells.

Helper T cells

T cells that help activate B cells and other immune cells.

Suppressor T cells

T cells that regulate and suppress the immune response to prevent overactivity.

Vaccines

Substances that stimulate the immune response by introducing antigens from pathogens to prepare the immune system.

Antigens

Molecules found on the surface of pathogens that provoke an immune response.

Universal donor

Blood type O negative, which can be given to any patient without causing a reaction.

Universal recipient

Blood type AB positive, which can receive blood from any donor.

Erythroblastosis fetalis

A condition that occurs during pregnancy when a Rh-negative mother has a Rh-positive fetus, potentially leading to blood coagulation.

Antibiotics

Medications that kill bacteria but can also harm beneficial bacteria.

Inflammatory response

The body's reaction to infection or injury, often causing symptoms like soreness or fever as antibodies are produced.

DNA vaccines

A new type of vaccine that uses genes from the pathogen to induce an immune response.

Coagulation

The process by which blood changes from a liquid to a solid state, often leading to blood clots.

HIV

A virus that attacks the immune system, specifically T cells, leading to AIDS.

AIDS

A condition caused by HIV that severely weakens the immune system.