Innate Immune Response Lecture Notes

Flashcards covering key vocabulary terms and definitions from the lecture on innate immune response.

Metchnikoff

A scientist who discovered phagocytes and was awarded the Nobel Prize for his contributions to immunity.

Innate Immunity

The routine protection the body has from pathogens, which is always present.

Adaptive Immunity

Immunity that develops throughout a person's life in response to antigens.

Phagocytes

Cells that have the ability to engulf and digest pathogens.

Physical Barriers

The body's first line of defense against pathogens, including the skin and mucous membranes.

Dermis

The inner layer of the skin, made of tightly woven fibrous connective tissue.

Epidermis

The outer layer of skin consisting of many layers of epithelial cells.

Mucous Membranes

Membranes that line the digestive, respiratory, and genitourinary tracts, providing a barrier against pathogens.

Antimicrobial Substances

Substances that protect skin and mucous membranes, such as salt and lysozyme.

Hematopoiesis

The formation of immune cells in the bone marrow.

Cytokines

Signaling molecules that mediate cell communication in the immune system.

Complement System

A system that augments the activities of the adaptive immune system through a series of proteins.

Fever

An important host defense mechanism that raises body temperature during an infection.

Chemokines

A type of cytokine that directs cell movement through chemotaxis.

Colony-stimulating factors (CSFs)

Cytokines that stimulate the multiplication and differentiation of blood cells.

Interferons (IFNs)

Cytokines that play key roles in the antiviral response.

Interleukins (ILs)

Cytokines that regulate immune responses.

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)

A cytokine involved in inflammation and inducing apoptosis.