lecture 30 - intro to immunology Flashcards
What are the overall components of the immune system that defend the body against disease?
Organs, cells, antibodies
What is the name for a microbe that causes disease?
Pathogen
What are primary lymphoid organs?
Organs that produce white blood cells/lymphocytes
What are the two primary lymphoid organs?
Bone marrow, thymus
What is the function of bone marrow?
Source of stem cells that develop into cells of the innate and adaptive immune responses.
What is the function of the thymus?
Produces T cells (T lymphocytes) and ‘teach’ them what to react to and how. They learn not to react to self in order to prevent auto-immunity.
What are secondary lymphoid organs?
Sites where immune responses are initiated
What are the two secondary lymphoid organs?
Spleen, lymph nodes
What is the function of the spleen?
Site of initiation of white blood cell immune responses to blood-borne pathogens. Filters blood to remove old cells.
What are lymph nodes?
Nodes along lymphatic vessels where lymph fluid from blood and tissue is filtered. Site of initiation of immune responses.
What are the two key layers of the skin?
Epidermis, dermis
What is the structure of the epidermis?
Contains dead cells, keratin, and phagocytic cells. It is constantly being renewed.
What is the dermis?
A thick layer of connective tissue, collagen, blood vessels and phagocytic immune cells.
What are the chemical defences of the skin?
Antimicrobial peptides, lysozyme, sebum, salt
What is the functions of antimicrobial peptides, e.g. defensins?
Form pores/holes in microbial cell membranes