Lecture on the Innate Immune Response

A collection of vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts from the lecture on the innate immune response.

Phagocyte

Cells that ingest and destroy foreign material.

Innate Immunity

Routine protection that is present at birth.

Adaptive Immunity

Immunity that develops throughout life as the body is exposed to microbes.

Antigen

A substance that stimulates the production of antibodies.

Phagocytosis

The process by which phagocytes engulf and digest material.

Cytokines

Signaling molecules that mediate and regulate immunity.

Complement System

A system of proteins that enhances the ability of antibodies and phagocytic cells to clear microbes.

Interferon

A protein secreted by cells in response to viral infections that helps inhibit virus replication.

Granulocyte

A type of white blood cell that has granules in its cytoplasm.

Chemokines

Cytokines that induce chemotaxis in immune cells.

Sentinel Cells

Cells that act as the first line of defense in identifying foreign invaders.

Normal Microbiota

The community of microorganisms that normally inhabit a particular environment.

Pattern Recognition Receptors (PRRs)

Receptors that detect signs of microbial invasion and trigger immune responses.

Chronic Inflammation

Long-term inflammation that occurs when the acute response fails.

Apoptosis

Programmed cell death that does not trigger an inflammatory response.

Macrophages

Large phagocytic cells that are derived from monocytes.

Neutrophils

White blood cells that are the first responders to infection.

Mucous Membranes

Protective linings of the digestive, respiratory, and urogenital tracts.

Exudate

Fluid that leaks from blood vessels into tissues during inflammation.

Fever

A rise in body temperature in response to infection.

Opsonization

The process by which pathogens are marked for ingestion and destruction by phagocytes.