Untitled Flashcards Set

Lymph

A clear watery liquid formed from interstitial fluid found between cells.

Interstitial fluid

Fluid found between cells; 90% returns to capillaries and 10% enters lymphatic vessels.

Lymphatic vessels

Vessels that carry lymph to lymph nodes.

Lymph capillaries

Small lymph vessels that have 'dead ends' and are lined with overlapping epithelial cells.

Lymph nodes

Capsules of connective tissue that filter lymph and produce immune cells.

Afferent lymphatic vessels

Vessels that carry lymph to the lymph nodes and slow down the flow.

Efferent lymphatic vessels

Vessels that carry lymph away from lymph nodes and also slow down the flow.

Thymus

An organ involved in the endocrine and lymphatic systems, where T-lymphocytes are formed in bone marrow and protect the body from infection DO NOT FILTER

Germinal centers

Areas within lymph nodes where immune cells rapidly multiply to fight off invaders.

Spleen

An organ that protects the body from infection and filters blood and removes worn-out red blood cells; contains white and red pulp. DO NOT FILTER

Peyer's Patches

Lymphoid tissues in the intestine that filter bacteria from food.

MALT

Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissues that trap foreign invaders.

Innate immunity

The body's first line of defense against pathogens, including physical barriers and immune cells.

Phagocytes

Cells like neutrophils and macrophages that 'eat' foreign invaders.

Memory B cells

Long-lived B cells that respond quickly upon re-encountering the same antigen.

Plasma B cells

B cells that produce antibodies to neutralize and immobilize pathogens.

Active immunity

Immunity developed by the generation of one's own antibodies.

Passive immunity

Immunity borrowed from another individual; does not involve the production of antibodies.

Cytokines

Chemical signals that help cells communicate during an immune response.

Antigens

Substances that trigger an immune response.

Humoral immunity

The aspect of immunity that involves B cells and the production of antibodies.

Cell-mediated immunity

The aspect of immunity that involves T cells responding to infected cells.

APC (Antigen-Presenting Cell)

Cells that engulf antigens and present them to activate other immune cells.

MHC-2

Major Histocompatibility Complex class 2, receptors that present antigens on APCs.

Secondary immune response

The immune response upon re-exposure to an antigen; faster and stronger due to memory cells.

Natural active immunity

Immunity gained from contracting an illness, such as the flu.

Artificial active immunity

Immunity gained through vaccination.

Natural passive immunity

Immunity passed from mother to baby through breast milk.

Artificial passive immunity

Immunity gained through the administration of antibodies from another individual.

Regulatory T cells

Cells that secrete signals to slow down the immune response after a threat is eliminated.

Neutrophils

A type of phagocyte that responds quickly to infection.

Macrophages

Large phagocytic cells that engulf and digest pathogens.

Basophils

White blood cells that release chemicals to promote inflammation.

Complement proteins

Proteins that aid in lysing bacteria and enhancing immune responses.

Interferons

Proteins secreted by virally infected cells that warn nearby cells of infection.

Skin oil and sweat

External barriers that decrease bacterial growth.

Mucous membranes

Barriers that trap and sweep pathogens away from the body.

T-lymphocytes

A type of white blood cell that is important for cell-mediated immunity.

Thymosin

Hormone released by the thymus to aid in the maturation of T-lymphocytes.

Edema

Swelling due to inflammation that helps macrophages reach the site of infection.

Pyrogenic response

Fever response that occurs during an immune reaction.

Tonils

A protective ring of lymphoid tissues that trap foreign invaders.

Lymphoid organs

Organs such as the spleen and thymus that are involved in immunity.

B cells

Lymphocytes that produce antibodies and can act as APCs.

Helper T cells

T cells that activate other immune cells when presented with antigens.

Cytotoxic T cells

T cells that kill infected or abnormal cells.

Memory T cells

Long-lived cells that facilitate a swift immune response upon re-exposure to an antigen.

Immune system memory

The ability of the immune system to remember past infections for a faster response.

Cloned plasma B cells

B cells that are rapidly produced to fight an antigen after initial stimulation.

Agglutination

The clumping of pathogens caused by antibodies, making them easier for phagocytes to eliminate.

Skeletal muscle pressure

Helps push lymph through lymphatic vessels.

Tonsils

Lymphoid tissues that help to trap foreign invaders entering via the throat.

Artificial blood serum

Containing antibodies from another individual used for passive immunity.

Vaccination

A method to provoke an immune response by introducing a harmless form of an antigen.

Thymic education

Recognize foreign invaders