Immunity22

Lymphatic System

A system that describes the major functions, organization, cellular and histological components involved in the immune response.

Innate Immunity

The first line of defense against pathogens, involving nonspecific responses such as barriers and phagocytes.

Adaptive Immunity

The specific immune response that takes longer to react and is characterized by memory and specificity for pathogens.

Pathogenic Agents

Microorganisms or viruses that can cause disease, categorized into bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoans, and multicellular parasites.

Virulent Bacteria

Bacteria capable of causing disease, often possessing features such as a polysaccharide capsule or toxins.

Phagocytes

Cells that can engulf and digest pathogens, including macrophages and neutrophils.

Cytokines

Small proteins produced by immune cells that regulate immune activity and communication among cells.

Antigen

Any substance that is capable of inducing an immune response, typically recognized by B and T cells.

Humoral Immunity

The aspect of immunity mediated by antibodies produced by B cells.

Cell-Mediated Immunity

The immune response that relies on the activity of T cells to destroy infected or abnormal cells.

MHC Proteins

Major histocompatibility complex molecules that display antigens for recognition by T cells.

Fever

A rise in body temperature as a response to infection or injury, often beneficial for immune function.

Autoimmune Disorders

Conditions where the immune system attacks the body's own tissues, mistaking them for foreign antigens.

Anaphylaxis

A severe and rapid allergic reaction resulting from the release of histamines, often life-threatening.

Vaccination

The introduction of a vaccine to stimulate an immune response and create memory against specific pathogens.

Memory B Cells

Long-lived immune cells that arise from B cells and respond quickly upon re-exposure to the same antigen.

Effector T Cells

Activated T cells that perform specific functions such as helping B cells or killing infected cells.

Complement System

A group of proteins that enhances immune responses through opsonization, lysis of cells, and inflammation.

Immunoglobulins

Antibodies secreted by B cells that specifically bind to antigens.

Neutrophils

A type of granulocyte that acts quickly to engulf and destroy pathogens, especially bacteria.

Dendritic Cells

Antigen-presenting cells that process and present antigens to T cells, initiating immune responses.

Opsonization

The process by which pathogens are marked for destruction by phagocytes, facilitated by complement proteins.