The Lymphoid and Immune Systems

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts from the lymphoid and immune systems.

Immune System

A cell population that inhabits all organs and defends the body against disease.

Lymphoid System

A network of organs and vessels that recover fluid, inspect it for disease agents, activate immune responses, and return fluid to the bloodstream.

Microbiome

Microorganisms that reside on and in the body; many are beneficial, but some can be harmful.

Lymph

Fluid in the lymphatic system derived from interstitial fluid that carries immune cells and metabolic waste.

Lymphedema

Swelling due to interference in lymphatic drainage.

Phagocyte

Immune cells that engulf and digest pathogens and debris.

Lymphocyte

A type of white blood cell critical to the immune response, including B and T cells.

Innate Immune Response

Rapid but nonspecific immune response using specialized cells like phagocytes.

Adaptive Immune Response

Slower, specific immune response that involves the activation of lymphocytes.

Complement System

A group of proteins that contribute to the immune response, enhancing the ability to clear pathogens.

Antigen

A substance that induces an immune response, typically a protein on the surface of pathogens.

Pathogen

An agent capable of producing disease, including viruses, bacteria, and fungi.

B cells

A type of lymphocyte that generates antibodies and can develop into plasma cells.

T cells

A type of lymphocyte involved in cell-mediated immunity, including helper and cytotoxic cells.

Antibodies

Proteins produced by B cells that bind to specific antigens, marking them for destruction.

Helper T cells

T cells that produce cytokines to stimulate the proliferation of other immune cells.

Cytotoxic T cells

T cells that directly attack and destroy virus-infected cells and cancer cells.

Plasma cells

Activated B cells that secrete large amounts of antibodies.

Memory cells

Long-lived immune cells that respond rapidly upon re-exposure to the same pathogen.

Inflammation

The body's local defensive response to tissue injury, involving redness, heat, swelling, and pain.

Apoptosis

Programmed cell death; a mechanism used by NK cells to eliminate infected or abnormal cells.