THURMEN BIO CLASS Recording-2025-02-14T16:11:57

Immune System Overview

• The immune system is designed to target and combat foreign proteins from various mammals; these proteins are recognized as foreign to the body.

Blood Types and Antibodies

• Blood Types and their antibodies:

  • Type A: Has antibody B.

  • Type B: Has antibody A.

  • Type AB: Lacks antibodies (has both proteins).

  • Type O: Has no proteins on the surface and can have both antibody A and B.

Rh Factor and Genetics

• Rh Factor: Important in blood typing; a common issue arises when an Rh negative female has a baby with an Rh positive male.

• Genetic Implications:

  • Two alleles typically: Dominant (Rh positive) and recessive (Rh negative).

  • Possible outcomes for the offspring, including the risk of a condition known as "blue baby" (Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn).

Erythroblastosis Fetalis

• The term literally translates to the mother's immune system attacking the fetus's red blood cells:

  • Erythroblastosis Fetalis: Occurs when the mother destroys the fetus's red blood cells due to blood type incompatibility.

  • Risk factors are heightened with no preventive measures and were a significant concern before modern interventions.

Modern Treatments: Rhogam

• Rhogam: An injection given to an Rh negative mother if the baby is Rh positive; it prevents the mother from producing antibodies against Rh positive blood, effectively 'erasing' the immune response that could harm the baby.

White Blood Cells: Types and Functions

• Granulated White Blood Cells:

  • Neutrophils: Most abundant; fight against infections.

  • Eosinophils: Respond to parasitic infections; elevated levels indicate parasitic activity.

  • Basophils: Release histamine and heparin; act as internal mast cells.

• Nongranulated White Blood Cells:

  • Monocytes: Recognize infection, leave the bloodstream, and migrate to infection sites (Diapedesis).

  • Lymphocytes: Key players in the immune response, including T-cells and B-cells:

    • T-cells: Activated by foreign antigens; categorized into Helper T-cells (assist immune response) and Killer T-cells (attack infected cells).

    • B-cells: Produce antibodies; have a memory function for previously encountered pathogens.

Immunity Types

• Active Immunity: Long-lasting immunity from actual infection or vaccination.

• Passive Immunity: Temporary immunity; mother's milk provides this as it contains antibodies that protect the baby from pathogens.

Interferon and Viral Infections

• Interferon: A naturally occurring protein that interferes with viral replication; enhances the immune response against viruses.

• Viral Infections: Highlight that viruses are not alive; they rely on host cells for replication.

Blood Clotting Process

• Platelets: Key players in blood clotting; they change shape to bind to damaged tissue and initiate clot formation.

• Fibrinogen: Circulates in blood until activated; converts into fibrin through a cascade initiated by platelets.

Lymphatic System Overview

• Lymphatic vessels are closely associated with veins and play a crucial role in fluid balance, aiding in the return of fluid from tissues to the bloodstream.