Immune System Study Guide
Function of the Immune System
Main Function: The immune system protects the body from harmful invaders (pathogens like bacteria, viruses, fungi, etc.) and detects and eliminates abnormal cells.Detects and destroys foreign invaders .
Yngv Memory: The immune system has the ability to "remember" past infections, allowing it to respond more quickly to the same pathogen if encountered again.Maintains a memory of past infections to mount a quicker response if the same pathogen attacks again.
Types of Immunity
Innate Immunity:
The immune system you're born with; provides a quick response to any pathogen.
First line of defense: Skin and mucus act as physical barriers.
Macrophages: Large white blood cells that "eat" pathogens and activate other immune cells.
Histamine & Inflammation: Histamine triggers inflammation to fight infection (redness, heat, swelling, pain).
Adaptive Immunity:
Develops over time and strengthens with repeated exposure to pathogens.
B-cells: Produce antibodies that specifically target pathogens.
T-cells: Help destroy infected cells or coordinate the immune response.
Memory Cells: "Remember" past infections for faster responses in the future.
Innate immunity is something you're born with and provides a quick response to any pathogen.
Adaptive immunity develops over time, adapting to new threats. It includes things like antibodies and memory cells.
Signs of Inflammation
Redness (rubor): Increased blood flow to the affected area.
Heat (calor): Blood flow increases temperature at the site.
Swelling (tumor): Fluid accumulation and immune cells moving to the area.
Pain (dolor): Due to chemicals irritating nerve endings.
Loss of Function (functio laesa): Temporary loss of function in the inflamed area.
Bacteria vs. Viruses
feature
bacteria
viruses
size
bigger
smaller
Can live without a host?
yes
no
Good or bad
Some are helpful
Always harmful
treatment
Antibiotics kill them
No antibiotics, only vaccines or immune system fights them
examples
Strep throat
Flu, COVID-19
Antibiotic Resistance
Occurs when bacteria evolve to resist antibiotics.
Reasons for Resistance:
Overuse or misuse of antibiotics.
Using antibiotics for viral infections.
Self-medicating without proper diagnosis.
Vaccines
What Are They?: Biological preparations that provide immunity against specific diseases.
How Do They Work?: Contain weakened or inactivated parts of a pathogen to stimulate an immune response.
Importance: Vaccines teach the immune system to recognize pathogens and fight them effectively in the future. They also contribute to herd immunity.
Reproductive System Study Guide
Male Reproductive System
Testes: Produce sperm and the hormone testosterone.
Epididymis: Stores sperm until they mature.
Vas Deferens: Transports sperm from the testes to the urethra.
Prostate Gland & Seminal Vesicles: Produce fluids that nourish and transport sperm.
Penis: Delivers sperm into the female reproductive tract during ejaculation.
Female Reproductive System
Ovaries: Produce eggs (ova) and hormones like estrogen and progesterone.
Fallopian Tubes: Transport eggs from the ovaries to the uterus; fertilization typically occurs here.
Uterus: Where a fertilized egg implants and develops during pregnancy.
Cervix: The lower part of the uterus that connects it to the vagina.
Vagina: The passage that receives sperm and also serves as the birth canal.
Conception and Pregnancy
Conception: Occurs when sperm fertilizes an egg in the fallopian tube, forming a zygote, which then implants in the uterus.
Pregnancy: The zygote develops into an embryo and then a fetus in three trimesters:
First Trimester (Weeks 1-12): Organ development begins; the heart starts to beat.
Second Trimester (Weeks 13-26): Rapid growth; organs mature and gender can be determined.
Third Trimester (Weeks 27-Birth): The fetus continues to grow; organs mature, especially the lungs.
Factors Affecting Baby Development
Environmental factors: Exposure to toxins, pollutants, drugs, or infections.
Nutrition: Essential nutrients are crucial for healthy fetal development.
Health conditions: Chronic conditions like diabetes or hypertension can affect pregnancy.
Types of Contraception
Barrier Methods:
Condoms (Male & Female): Prevent sperm from reaching the egg and protect against STDs.
Pros: Easy to use, no side effects, protects against STDs.
Cons: Must be used correctly every time; can break or slip off.
Diaphragm with Spermicide: A barrier placed in the vagina to cover the cervix.
Pros: Non-hormonal, on-demand use.
Cons: Requires fitting, not effective without spermicide.
Hormonal Methods:
Birth Control Pills: Prevent ovulation through hormones like estrogen and progesterone.
Pros: Highly effective, can regulate periods, reduces acne.
Cons: Must be taken daily, side effects like nausea or headaches.
Patch: Worn on the skin to release hormones.
Pros: Easy to use, weekly change.
Cons: Visible, may cause skin irritation.
Implant: A small device placed under the skin to release hormones.
Pros: Long-lasting (up to 3 years), effective.
Cons: Requires professional insertion, can cause irregular bleeding.
IUD (Intrauterine Device): A device inserted into the uterus to prevent fertilization.
Pros: Long-lasting (5-10 years), effective.
Cons: Requires professional insertion, may cause cramping.
Permanent Methods:
Vasectomy (Male): Cutting and sealing the vas deferens to prevent sperm from reaching the urethra.
Tubal Ligation (Female): Cutting or sealing the fallopian tubes to prevent eggs from reaching the uterus.
Pros: Permanent, highly effective.
Cons: Surgical procedures, irreversible, not suitable for those wanting future children.
Emergency Contraception:
Morning-After Pill: Taken after unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy.
Pros: Available over-the-counter, effective within 72 hours.
Cons: Not for regular use, may cause side effects.
Copper IUD: Can be inserted up to 5 days after unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy.
Key Takeaways
Immune System: It provides a defense against infections, relying on both innate (immediate) and adaptive (long-term) immunity, with important components like macrophages and memory cells. Vaccines are essential in helping the immune system recognize pathogens and prevent diseases.
Reproductive System: Male and female systems work together to ensure conception and pregnancy, with critical stages of fetal development occurring in the three trimesters. Environmental factors and health conditions can impact pregnancy.
Contraception Methods: There are various types, each with its pros and cons, including barrier methods, hormonal methods, and permanent methods. Choosing the right method depends on individual needs, effectiveness, and side effects.
Histamine & Inflammation:
Histamine release can cause redness, warmth, and swelling as part of the body's inflammatory response to infection or injury.
Vaccines & Herd Immunity:
Vaccines are critical in preventing the spread of infectious diseases by "teaching" the immune system to recognize and fight specific pathogens. Herd immunity occurs when a large portion of a population is vaccinated, making it harder for diseases to spread.
Components of the Immune System:
Defense against pathogens: The immune system helps protect the body from harmful invaders like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.
Recognition of abnormal cells: It identifies and eliminates cells that are infected or cancerous
Key Defense Lines:
First Line of Defense: Skin & mucus trap and kill germs.
Second Line of Defense: Inflammation and macrophages (eat germs).
Third Line of Defense: T-cells destroy infected cells, B-cells make antibodies to target germs
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