Immune System pt 2

A collection of vocabulary flashcards related to adaptive immunity and its components.

Adaptive Immunity

A specific defensive system that eliminates almost any pathogen or abnormal cell in body.

Specificity

Ability of adaptive immunity to recognize and target specific antigens.

Systemic

Characteristic of adaptive immunity indicating it is not restricted to the initial site of infection.

Memory

Ability of the adaptive immune system to mount a stronger response to known antigens upon repeated exposure.

Humoral Immunity

Antibody-mediated immunity that targets threats in bodily fluids.

Cellular Immunity

Cell-mediated immunity that targets threats within cells.

Fever

A response in which leukocytes and macrophages secrete pyrogens to combat infection.

Pyrogens

Substances secreted by leukocytes and macrophages that induce fever.

Macrophages

White blood cells that phagocytize pathogens and are involved in immune response.

Antigenic Determinants

Parts of an antigen that bind to antibodies or lymphocyte receptors.

Self-Antigens

Proteins on the surface of cells that are not recognized as foreign by the body.

MHC Proteins

Major histocompatibility complex proteins that present antigens to immune cells.

Antigens

Substances that can mobilize adaptive defenses and provoke an immune response.

Membrane Attack Complex (MAC)

A complex of complement proteins that forms holes in the membranes of pathogens.

Dendritic Cells

Antigen-presenting cells that phagocytize pathogens and present antigens to T cells.

T Cell Education

Process in thymus that ensures T cells can recognize self-MHC proteins and promotes deletion of self-reactive cells.

Immunocompetence

The ability of lymphocytes to recognize specific antigens.

Self-Tolerance

State of unresponsiveness to one’s own antigens by immune cells.

Clonal Selection

The process by which an antigen stimulates the proliferation of specific lymphocytes.

Plasma Cells

Effector B cells that secrete antibodies.

Memory Cells

Long-lived lymphocytes that provide immunological memory.

Passive Humoral Immunity

Occurs when ready-made antibodies are introduced into the body.

Naturally Acquired Immunity

Passive immunity conveyed from mother to child through placenta or milk.

Artificially Acquired Immunity

Passive immunity obtained via injection of antibodies.

Primary Immune Response

The response that occurs when the immune system is exposed to an antigen for the first time.

Secondary Immune Response

The faster and stronger response that occurs upon re-exposure to the same antigen.

Antigen-Presenting Cells (APCs)

Cells that present antigens to T cells, including dendritic cells, macrophages, and B cells.

B Lymphocytes (B Cells)

Lymphocytes responsible for humoral immunity and producing antibodies.

T Lymphocytes (T Cells)

Lymphocytes that are primarily involved in cellular immunity.

Clonal Deletion

The process that prompts apoptosis of T cells binding to self-antigens.

Seeding

The export of immunocompetent naive cells to secondary lymphoid organs.

Pathogen

An organism that causes disease.

Antibody

A protein produced by B cells that binds to antigens.

Pathogen Proteins Denaturation

A mechanism by which fever inhibits bacterial/viral reproduction.

Lymph Nodes

Organs of the lymphatic system where immune responses can be activated.

Spleen

An organ involved in filtering blood and mounting immune responses.

Epidermis

The outer layer of skin where dendritic cells can be found.

Cytokines

Signaling proteins released by cells that affect the behavior of other cells in immune response.