Immune system
Page 1: Introduction
Overview of the immune system and its disorders in the context of human health and disease processes.
Page 2: Objectives
Identify structures of the immune system.
Explain functions of the immune system.
Identify different types of immunity.
Differentiate between active and passive immunity.
Discuss lifestyle effects on the immune system.
Identify common disorders related to the immune system.
Discuss purpose of immunization.
Differentiate between antigens and antibodies.
Discuss common medications used with the immune system.
Page 3: Introduction to the Immune System
The immune system protects the human body from diseases caused by microorganisms through a complex network known as the host defense system.
Page 4: Structures of the Immune System
Components include:
White Blood Cells (WBCs)
Bone Marrow
Thymus
Lymph Nodes
Spleen
Lymphatic Vessels
Tonsils and Adenoids
Page 5: White Blood Cells (WBCs)
Also known as leukocytes, crucial for protection against infections.
Types include lymphocytes (B cells and T cells):
B cells produce antibodies.
T cells attack infected cells and coordinate the immune response.
Essential for active immunity.
Page 6: Types of Leukocytes
Two main groups:
Granulocytes: Neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils.
Agranulocytes: Lymphocytes and monocytes.
Page 7: Function of White Blood Cells
WBCs act as generals, locating infection sites and recruiting more WBCs to fight off unknown organisms, producing antibodies to destroy invaders.
Page 8: Location of WBCs
Found in the bloodstream and able to navigate through blood vessel walls to tissues for infection site localization.
Page 9: Formation of WBCs
Formed in bone marrow from stem cells.
T cells migrate to the thymus; B cells mature in bone marrow and travel to the spleen and lymph nodes.
Page 10: Bone Marrow
Function: Produces all blood cells, including WBCs.
Contains hematopoietic stem cells necessary for immune cell development.
Rapidly increases immune cell production during infections.
Page 11: Thymus
Located in the upper chest, behind the sternum.
Essential for adaptive immune response; T cells mature here.
Different T cell types shape and control immune response.
Page 12: Spleen
Location: Upper left abdomen, behind the stomach and below diaphragm.
Functions as a blood filter, recognizing pathogens and releasing lymphocytes to combat them.
Page 13: Other Immune Structures
Includes:
Lymph Nodes, Tonsils and Adenoids, Peyer’s Patches, Appendix
Key checkpoints that identify, filter, and respond to pathogens.
Page 14: Immunity Overview
Body's ability to protect against infections and diseases.
All immune parts cooperate to identify and eliminate harmful microorganisms.
Page 15: Mechanism of Immunity
Recognizes own body cells and beneficial microorganisms.
Identifies threats and mounts an immune response involving various cells and proteins.
Page 16: Types of Immune Responses
Innate Immunity: Rapid, non-specific response to a wide range of microbes.
Acquired Immunity: Slower, specific responses tailored to particular pathogens.
Page 17: Innate Immunity Characteristics
Body's first defense line, responding quickly within hours, non-specific, and does not remember past infections.
Components: Skin, mucous membranes, white blood cells, chemical defenses.
Page 18: Acquired Immunity Characteristics
Specialized immune response developing over time, specific to toxins, delayed response, and memory formation from past exposures or vaccinations.
Page 19: Comparison of Innate and Acquired Immunity
Innate Immunity:
Immediate response, non-specific, no memory.
Acquired Immunity:
Delayed response, specific, has memory.
Page 20: Innate Immunity - External Defenses
Designed to prevent infections by reinforcing physical barriers like skin, mucus, and cilia, and activating internal defenses.
Page 21: Role of Skin
Acts as a physical barrier, produces chemicals to kill pathogens, and hosts a microbiome that prevents harmful bacteria from thriving.
Page 22: Role of Mucus and Cilia
Mucus contains lysozymes to destroy bacteria; cilia in the respiratory tract help clear mucus and pathogens.
Page 23: Mucous Membranes
Include saliva, stomach mucosa, tears, and hair in the nose that trap pathogens and contain enzymes to aid in neutralizing bacteria.
Page 24: Innate Immunity - Internal Defenses
Activated when physical barriers are breached; phagocytes and natural killer cells recognize and attack invaders.
Page 25: Role of Phagocytes
Types of white blood cells (macrophages, neutrophils) that hunt and destroy pathogens, activated by inflammation signals.
Page 26: Role of Inflammation
Inflammation is signaled by mast cells releasing histamine, enhancing blood flow and recruiting immune cells to sites of infection.
Page 27: Effects of Inflammation
Involves vasodilation, increased blood flow, warmth, redness, and swelling to support healing.
Page 28: Role of Fever
Fever functions as a defense mechanism to inhibit microbial activity and boost immune cell functionality.
Page 29: Acquired Immunity - Natural Exposure
Exposure through infection leads to antibody production and memory cell formation for future protection.
Page 30: Types of Acquired Immunity
Active Acquired Immunity: Body creates antibodies through infection or vaccination.
Passive Acquired Immunity: Antibodies transferred from another source; temporary and does not involve memory cell creation.
Page 31: Mechanism of Natural Exposure
Pathogen entry leads to antigen recognition by the immune system.
Antigen presentation activates T and B cells to fight the invader, supported by memory formation for future recognition.
Page 32: Detailed Immune Response
Sequence follows pathogen entry, recognition, cell activation, pathogenesis killing, and memory formation.
Page 33: White Blood Cell Types - T Cells
They travel the body to find and destroy pathogens, displaying antigens for further immune action.
Page 34: Role of Antigens
Antigens are unique surface proteins on pathogens, crucial for immune recognition and response.
Page 35: Role of B Cells
B cells produce antibodies in response to recognized antigens, either from memory or new production.
Page 36: Antibodies Overview
Antibodies attach to antigens, blocking pathogen entry or marking them for destruction by immune cells.
Page 37: Immune System Dynamics
Antigens trigger immune responses; B lymphocytes produce antibodies, while T cells destroy infected cells.
Page 38: Understanding Immunity
Immunity reflects the body's capability to recognize and produce antibodies against specific diseases via exposure and recovery.
Page 39: Types of Immunity Explained
Active Immunity: Developed through infection or vaccination; Passive Immunity: Short-term immunity from another source with no memory formation.
Page 40: Summary of Acquired Immunity
Acquired throughout life via exposure or vaccination; can be natural or artificial with distinct pathways of immunity.
Page 41: Vaccines Overview
Lead to artificially acquired immunity through injections of vaccines or immunoglobulins.
Page 42: Importance of Vaccinations
Routine vaccinations protect against diseases in children, vital for public health and prevention of infections.
Page 43: Lifestyle Factors Affecting Immunity
Poor lifestyle choices hinder WBC function and immune response; stress, sleep deprivation, and lack of exercise impact overall immune health.
Page 44: Healthy Eating and Immunity
Nutrient-rich diets support immune function; specific vitamins contribute to the production of immune cells and the prevention of inflammation.
Page 45: Consequences of Sleep Deprivation
Higher infection risk and hormonal imbalances weaken immune responses; adequate sleep is essential for immunity.
Page 46: Effects of Lack of Exercise
Poor circulation and weakened immune response; regular exercise is crucial for maintaining effective immune cell activity.
Page 47: Stress Impacts on Immunity
Chronic stress elevates cortisol, suppressing immune function and leading to decreased immune cell activity.
Page 48: Autoimmune Disorders
Conditions where the immune system attacks the body's own cells, disrupting normal organ function and causing potential abnormalities.
Page 49: Examples of Autoimmune Diseases
Include: Multiple sclerosis, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, asthma, systemic lupus erythematosus, celiac disease, rheumatoid arthritis, eczema, and psoriasis.
Page 50: Overview of Lupus Erythematosus
Chronic inflammatory autoimmune disorder affecting connective tissues with possible organ damage.
Page 51: Forms of Lupus Erythematosus
Two forms include Discoid Lupus Erythematosus (DLE) and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE).
Page 52: Symptoms of Lupus Erythematosus
Symptoms include fever, weight loss, fatigue, abdominal pain, and distinctive butterfly rash.
Page 53: Consequences of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Leads to potential dysfunction and damage across multiple organs including brain, heart, and kidneys.
Page 55: Graves’ Disease
Autoimmune disorder causing hyperthyroidism due to immune attack on the thyroid gland.
Page 57: Hashimoto’s Disease
Autoimmune disorder that leads to gradual thyroid gland damage and hypothyroidism symptoms.
Page 58: Understanding Allergies
Allergies occur when the immune system misidentifies harmless substances as threats leading to inflammatory responses and possible anaphylactic reactions.
Page 59: Medications Related to the Immune System
Types include antihistamines, corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, monoclonal antibodies, vaccines, antiviral medications, antibiotics, immune modulators, and probiotics.
Page 60: Antihistamines
Block histamine receptors to alleviate allergy symptoms.
Examples: Diphenhydramine, Cetirizine.
Page 61: Corticosteroids
Anti-inflammatory drugs that suppress immune responses.
Examples: Prednisone, Methylprednisolone.
Page 62: Immunosuppressants
Used to prevent organ rejection and treat autoimmune disorders by inhibiting immune responses.
Examples: Azathioprine, Cyclosporine.
Page 63: Monoclonal Antibodies
Lab-made antibodies targeting specific immune components, used in various treatments.
Examples: Rituximab, Adalimumab.
Page 64: Vaccines Overview
Stimulate acquired immunity and are crucial for disease prevention.
Examples: Influenza vaccine, COVID-19 vaccines.
Page 65: Antiviral Medications
Inhibit viral development to aid immune responses against infections.
Examples: Oseltamivir, Acyclovir.
Page 66: Antibiotics
Treat bacterial infections, supporting the immune system against illness.
Examples: Amoxicillin, Ciprofloxacin.
Page 67: Immune Modulators
Adjust immune response levels and can be used to reduce inflammation.
Examples: Interferons for multiple sclerosis.
Page 68: Probiotics
Live microorganisms that enhance health and support immune response, particularly for gut health.
Examples: Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium.