The Immune System and Inflammation

These flashcards cover key concepts related to the immune system and the process of inflammation as discussed in the lecture.

What are the major physiological responses associated with inflammation?

Redness, fever, swelling, and pain.

What are the steps involved in the inflammatory response?

1. Recognition, 2. Initiating the inflammatory response, 3. Cellular infiltration, 4. Clotting and repair, 5. Pus.

What role does complement play in the innate immune system?

It helps in opsonization and osmotic lysis of bacteria through the membrane attack complex (MAC).

What cytokines are released from tissue-resident macrophages during inflammation?

TNF-α, IL-1, and IL-6.

How do neutrophils migrate from the blood to sites of infection?

They adhere to endothelial cells, roll along them, and squeeze through into tissues.

What are alarm cytokines and what is their function?

Alarm cytokines increase the expression of adhesion molecules on endothelial cells.

What happens during the resolution of inflammation?

The body recognizes the end of the inflammatory response, promotes repair, and removes dead cells and pus.

What makes up pus?

A yellowish fluid that consists of dead and dying immune cells, skin cells, bacterial cells, and some plasma.

What is the purpose of histamines in inflammation?

They are released from mast cells to increase vascular permeability and induce vasodilation.

What are the leukocytes involved in the inflammatory response?

Monocytes, neutrophils, and macrophages are key leukocytes involved.