Immune Function and Sleep

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to the immune system's functions and its relationship with sleep, as discussed in the lecture.

Immune System

A complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that defend the body against harmful invaders such as pathogens and toxins.

Pathogens

Harmful microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi that can cause infections.

Innate Immunity

The rapid non-specific response of the immune system against invading pathogens.

Adaptive Immunity

A slower, targeted immune response against specific pathogens, involving B and T lymphocytes.

Cytokines

Small signaling proteins released by immune cells that regulate immune responses, including sleep.

Pro-inflammatory Cytokines

Cytokines that promote inflammation and can induce NREM sleep, such as Interleukin-1β and Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha.

Microglia

Specialized immune cells in the central nervous system that act as resident macrophages.

Sleep Deprivation

A condition where an individual does not get adequate sleep, affecting immune function and cytokine levels.

Immunological Memory

The ability of the immune system to remember past infections for a faster response in future encounters.

Antibody

A protein produced by plasma cells that binds to and neutralizes foreign antigens.

Reflective Sleep Patterns

Circadian rhythms observed in innate and adaptive immune cells related to the sleep-wake cycle.

NREM Sleep

Non-rapid eye movement sleep associated with restorative processes and increased immune activity.

REM Sleep

Rapid eye movement sleep involved in dreaming, with specific neurochemical and cytokine interactions.

Sleep-Promoting Neurochemical Agents

Substances such as cytokines that promote sleep by regulating neuronal activity related to arousal.

Inflammatory Response

The body's response to injury or infection, which includes the activation of immune cells and release of cytokines.

Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α)

A cytokine produced in response to stress that stimulates the immune response and has effects on sleep.

Sleep-associated Molecules

Biological compounds, such as hormones and cytokines, that influence sleep and immune function.

Sleep Homeostasis

The balance of sleep processes that maintain health and immune function, affected by sleep quality and quantity.

Peripheral Immune Cells

Immune cells derived from the bone marrow that are involved in the immune response outside the central nervous system.

Hematopoietic Stem Cells

Stem cells found in the bone marrow that give rise to all blood cells, including immune cells.

Microbial Defense

The mechanisms by which the immune system protects the body from microbial infections.

Circadian Rhythms

Biological processes that cycle within a 24-hour period, influencing sleep and immune responses.