Non-specific Defenses Flashcards
What is the immune system
The immune system is the body’s ability to protect its self against pathogens, some toxins and cancer cells
What is the skin composed of ?
Epithelial cells
What’s is the role of epithelial cells in skin ?
To offer physical protection against Bacteria and viruses
What are mucous membranes ?
They are found in the body’s digestive and respiratory tract and are composed of epithelial cells
What is the role of epithelial cells in mucous membranes?
To produce mucus that acts as a physical barrier
Where are mast cells present ?
In connective tissue throughout the body
What is histamine
It is a chemical that causes blood vessels to dilate
When do mast cells produce histamine ?
They are activated following an injury
Additional blood supply causes the injured area to become what ?
Red and inflamed
What are cytokines
They are a cell signalling protein
What happens when tissue is damaged ?
Phagocytes build up at the damaged tissue as they are attracted by cytokines
There is a quick delivery of antimicrobial proteins to the infected site
A quick delivery of blood clotting agents to the injured area
What is the role of specialised white blood cells ( phagocytes and NK cells )
To protect the body from pathogens
What are the stages of phagocytosis?
- The phagocytes detects chemicals released by the pathogen
- The phagocyte moves towards the pathogen and engulfs it
- The pathogen is then trapped in a vacuole where lysosomes begin to move towards it
4 lysosomes release digestive enzymes into the vacuole and breakdown the pathogen
What is the role of NK cells
To attack virus infected cells and cancer cells
What are the stages of NK cell attacks ?
- Releases a protein that forms a pore and allows a signal molecule to enter the cell
- This triggers the infected cell to produce self destructive enzymes that breakdown the cells DNA and vital protein
- This leads to cell death
This is known as Apoptosis
