C11 - How do we protect ourselves? Flashcards
(45 cards)
List the parts of the lymphatic system
Lymphatic capillaries, lymphatic vessels, lymph nodes, lymphatic nodules, lymphatic organs
Key components include vessels that transport lymph and organs that filter pathogens.
Describe the main functions of the lymphatic system
Maintains fluid balance, contributes to lipid absorption, plays a role in immunity
The lymphatic system carries excess fluids to the bloodstream and filters pathogens.
Differentiate between lymphatic nodules, nodes and organs
Nodules: small clusters of lymphatic tissue; Nodes: round or oval structures along lymphatic vessels; Organs: larger structures such as spleen and thymus
Each plays a role in filtering lymph and housing immune cells.
Describe the different types of innate immunity
Physical barriers, inflammation, phagocytosis, chemical mediators
Innate immunity is the body’s first line of defense against pathogens.
Briefly describe the different types of adaptive immunity
Humoral immunity (B cells) and cellular immunity (T cells)
Adaptive immunity adapts its response to specific pathogens and retains memory.
Describe the role of antibodies
Neutralize pathogens, opsonization, activate complement system, agglutination
Antibodies are produced by plasma cells and help eliminate antigens.
Differentiate between primary and secondary antibody-mediated immune responses
Primary response: first exposure to an antigen; Secondary response: faster and stronger due to memory cells
Memory cells from the primary response allow quicker reactions to subsequent exposures.
Define active and passive immune mechanisms
Active immunity: body produces antibodies; Passive immunity: antibodies are transferred from another source
Active immunity develops over time, while passive immunity is immediate but temporary.
What is the difference between the terms antigen and antibody?
Antigen: substance that triggers an immune response; Antibody: protein produced in response to an antigen
Antibodies specifically bind to antigens to neutralize them.
Why are secondary immune responses quicker than primary ones?
Due to the presence of memory cells that have previously encountered the antigen
Memory cells allow for a more rapid and robust response.
What are the different types of white blood cells and how do they contribute to immunity?
Lymphocytes (B cells, T cells), macrophages, neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils
Each type plays a specific role in recognizing and eliminating pathogens.
Fill in the blank: The lymphatic system helps maintain _______ balance.
fluid
It absorbs excess interstitial fluid and returns it to the bloodstream.
Fill in the blank: Lymph nodes contain _______ and lymphocytes.
macrophages
These immune cells help filter lymph and initiate immune responses.
True or False: Most microorganisms are harmful to humans.
False
About 87% of microorganisms are harmless or beneficial.
What is the role of inflammation in innate immunity?
Increases blood supply, brings immune cells to the site of infection, causes redness and swelling
Inflammation helps contain and eliminate pathogens.
Fill in the blank: Antibodies are produced by _______ cells.
plasma
Plasma cells are activated B cells that secrete antibodies.
What is the function of T cells in the immune response?
Directly attack infected cells and help activate B cells
T cells play a crucial role in cellular immunity.
Fill in the blank: Microorganisms that cause disease are called _______.
pathogens
Only about 3% of microorganisms fall into this category.
What are opportunistic pathogens?
Microorganisms that cause disease under certain conditions
They typically do not cause disease in healthy individuals.
True or False: Culture media can be selective for certain types of microorganisms.
True
Selective media allows specific organisms to grow while inhibiting others.
Which locations swabbed had the most microbial growth?
Plate 1 (under the fingernails) and plate 5 (the ear) – lots of bacteria on both plates.
Why do you think under the fingernails and the ear had the most microbial growth?
Nails are difficult to clean and bacteria gets trapped there; ears are often neglected and not washed properly.
What does the presence of bacteria and fungi in soil indicate?
Soil provides a perfect environment for microbial growth and is essential for healthy plant growth.
Why do plates #2 and #6 have very little microbial growth?
The door handle (#2) is likely made of dry metal, and the benchtop (#6) is regularly cleaned and dry.
