Immune System Vocab

Innate Immunity

non-specific, unlearned defense system that attacks any invading cells quickly. Barrier defenses such skin, mucous membranes, and secretions are examples of innate defense mechanisms.

Adaptive Immunity

A specific defense system that recognizes traits specific to particular pathogens. This response is slower, as they are the last line of defense.

Phagocytosis

The process of ingesting and breaking down microorganisms. Two examples of phagocytes are neutrophils and marcophages

Neutrophils 

The most abundant type of phagocyte that self destructs after ingesting pathogens

Marcophages

Large immune cells that engulf and digest cellular debris, pathogens, and foreign substances that don’t belong

Natural Kill Cells

Kill your own cells if they’ve been infected with viruses or have become cancerous

Histamine

A type of molecule that uses paracrine signaling, releasing at the site of damage and triggering nearby blood vessels to dilate and become more permeable 

Prostaglandins

A type of molecule that uses both paracrine and autocrine signaling, producing at the site of injury or infection targeting the synthesis of drugs to reduce fever and pain.

Interferons

A type of protein that uses both paracrine and autocrine signaling, providing defense by interfering with viral infections such as colds and influenza

Pyrogens

any substance that triggers a fever by causing the hypothalamus to raise the body's temp in order to denature pathogens

Erythocyte

red blood cells

Leukocytes

white blood cells