Chapter 12 (Communicable Diseases) Flashcards
(8 cards)
What are mast cells?
Cells activated in damaged tissue, releasing histamines and cytokines
What are histamines?
Histamines are a chemical in the inflammatory response which have 2 purposes:
• Blood vessels dilated, causing heat and redness
• Blood vessel walls become more leaky therefore blood plasma is forced out, causing swelling and pain
What are cytokines?
Cytokines are involved in the inflammatory response and attract phagocytes to the site
What is natural immunity?
When your body naturally acquires immunity, such as creating antibodies or receiving them through breast milk
What is artificial immunity?
When someone acquires immunity via unnatural means, such as vaccination or antibody injection
What is pharmacogenomics?
The science of combining the action of drugs with personal genetic material
What is selective toxicity?
When a drug affects one organism without affecting another (e.g. antibiotics)
What are opsonins?
Chemicals which bind to pathogens and ‘mark’ them for phagocytosis
