adaptive immunity

Adaptive immune response

A selective response aimed at neutralizing or destroying a specific foreign pathogen.

Three major components of adaptive immunity

B cells, Helper T cells, and T cells.

Primary lymphatic organs

Red bone marrow and thymus, where immune cells are produced and/or mature.

Red bone marrow

The primary lymphatic tissue where B and T cells are produced and where B cells mature.

Thymus

The primary lymphatic organ where T cells mature.

Secondary lymphatic organs

Sites where mature B and T cells gather, including lymph nodes, spleen, and lymphatic nodules.

Lymph nodes

Encapsulated secondary lymphatic organs where B and T cells gather and immune responses can be initiated.

Lymphatic nodules

Unencapsulated structures within lymph nodes that store B cells.

Lymph node inner cortex

Region containing T cells and dendritic cells.

Antibody-mediated immunity

Adaptive immunity involving antibodies released by activated B cells.

Humoral immunity

Another name for antibody-mediated immunity.

Cell-mediated immunity

Adaptive immunity involving T cells that directly attack infected or unwanted cells.

Antigens and adaptive immunity

Antigens provide the specific identity that allows B and T cells to recognize a particular pathogen.

Antigen location

An antigen can be part of a larger structure such as a bacterial surface or can exist as an isolated molecule such as a toxin.