Unit 13 Flashcards
State the function of the immune system.
The immune system protects the
body from infectious diseases. It is
involved in tissue repair and
protection against potential
pathogens.
Outline the mechanisms the body uses in
response to damage or an infectious agent
Innate System:
It is present before any exposure to pathogens and is effective from the day
you were born
- Physical: skin, epithelial
linings, mucosal secretions
e.g. stomach- acid kills organisms
Respiratory tract- mucus traps organisms and cilia sweep away trapped organisms
- Chemical: pH of bodily fluids,
hormones, and other soluble
factors
- Leucocytes: white blood cells
that fight disease
Adaptive System:
Develops only after exposure to microbes and toxins
Inflammation
- Clotting
- Lymphocyte and antibody
production
Describe the effects of intense and
long-term training on the immune system
Intense Exercise
- Anaerobic/power/weights = tissue damage.
- Inflammatory response to occur.
- Increased leucocytes as a response to the tissue damage - checks for remaining pathogens.
Long-term Training - Sustained + regular release of adrenaline + cortisol (stress hormones) = suppression of immune system.
- Lower levels of leucocytes = more susceptible to falling sick.
Describe the process of antibody production
Foreign antigens detected
Lymphocyte (White blood cell) produces antibodies
Antibodies attack antigen
Phagocyte engulfs dead antigen
Antibodies stay in the body so they remember the pathogen and attack it next time.
What happens to your body during exercise in terms of immune system
Your body increases your white blood cell count during exercise!
In fact, this increase in the activity of your white blood cells might actually allow your body to identify disease-causing organisms more rapidly than under normal circumstances, which is yet another benefit of exercise.
Effects of long term exercise on your body
An intense bout of exercise can cause tissue damage and then the body responses are similar to those of an infection.
Inflammation, can occur when training loads are high and prolonged, this also tends to cause a decrease in the innate and adaptive immune function.
Athletes are at higher risk for sprains and strains which can cause acute inflammation.
Effects of long term training on immune system
Long term training can cause an increase in leucocytes (white blood cells) dependent on the duration and intensity of exercise.
A high white blood cell count (leucocytosis) may indicate that the immune system is working to destroy an infection. It may also be a sign of physical or emotional stress.
Immediately after exercise, your levels of white blood cells increase in proportion to the intensity and duration of the workout.
One study showed that runners’ white blood cell levels triple during a marathon. The amount of white blood cells then drops to its normal level 24 hours after exercise.
Athletes don’t often have large gaps between training so their white blood cell level may remain high.
People with leucocytosis may also experience a combination of these symptoms: fever, fainting, bleeding, bruising, weight loss, and general pain.
What is cortisol?
Think of cortisol as nature’s built-in alarm system.
It’s your body’s main stress hormone.
It works with certain parts of your brain to control your mood, motivation, and fear.
Sustained level of cortisol may lead to a reduced amount of leukocytes in the long run, which suppresses the immune system.
Discuss the relationship between exercise and susceptibility to infection
Athletes are more susceptible to infections than their sedentary peers because they have:
- lower leukocyte numbers caused by the stress of the exercise
- inflammation caused by muscle damage
- greater exposure to airborne bacteria and viruses because of an increased rate in the
depth of breathing
What kind of curve shows the relashionship between exercise intensity and susceptibility to infection
J curve
Describe j curve
Sedentary:
- don’t have good circulation (prevents the body from fighting infections)
- prevents free movement of cells and substances of the immune system through the
body
Moderate Exercise:
- the best for your immune system
- better circulation, stronger heart ⟶ healthier blood vessels
- boosts every system in the body
- increases leukocytosis (production of leukocytes), so your body has more antibodies
Elite Athletes:
- lower leukocytes numbers
- inflammation of muscles which prevents blood flow and adds additional stress
- deeper breathing ⟶ more likely to inhale bacteria and viruses
- sustained increase in levels of adrenaline which suppresses the immune system and
increases stress hormones (cortisol)
Describe strategies for minimizing risk from infection among athletes
- incorporating sufficient recovery time between training days
- avoiding close contact with people that have infections
- maintaining good oral hygiene
- maintaining your body hydrated
- ensuring water is pathogen-free
- maintaining good personal hygiene
ex. washing hands, avoiding hand-to-mouth contact - maintaining a suitable and varied diet
- ensuring you get sufficient sleep
