Immunity and Defense

These flashcards cover key concepts from the lecture on the immune system, including definitions, functions, and the components involved in both innate and adaptive immunity.

What is the main purpose of the immune system?

To recognize foreign material and protect the body from anything that is not part of it.

What are the two main components of the immune system?

Innate immune system and adaptive immune system.

What constitutes the first line of defense in the innate immune system?

External barriers such as skin and mucous membranes.

What is the role of the spleen in the immune system?

It has immunological functions such as phagocytosis and removal of damaged blood cells.

What is the function of lymph nodes?

To filter lymph as it travels back to systemic circulation.

What does MALT stand for?

Mucosa-Associated Lymphatic Tissue.

What is the primary function of the thymus in relation to immunity?

To mature T lymphocytes.

What is the role of red bone marrow in the immune system?

Responsible for the production of all white blood cells.

Define phagocytosis.

The process by which certain cells ingest and destroy invaders.

What triggers inflammation as part of the internal innate defense?

When a pathogen breaches physical barriers.

What is the complement system?

A group of proteins that activate in the presence of antigens to aid in immune response.

What are cytokines?

Communicators that attract immune cells to specific sites.

What are memory cells in the immune response?

Clones of T cells and B cells that remain in circulation to respond more quickly to future infections.

Describe humoral immunity.

Antibody-mediated immunity primarily involving B cells.

What does IgG stand for?

Immunoglobulin G, the most common antibody in the body.

What is the primary difference between active and passive immunity?

Active immunity is developed by the body itself, whereas passive immunity is acquired from another source.

What can cause a hypersensitivity reaction?

An overreaction of the immune system to an antigen.