Chapter 8 - Unit 3 Flashcards
(21 cards)
Nonspecific Immune Response
The body’s general defense against all pathogens, including skin, mucus, inflammation, and phagocytosis. It doesn’t target specific invaders.
Specific immune Response
A targeted defense against specific pathogens using B cells and T cells. It includes the production of antibodies and memory for future attacks.
Antigens
Molecules (usually proteins) on the surface of pathogens or foreign substances that trigger an immune response.
Antibodies
Proteins made by B cells that bind to specific antigens to help destroy or neutralize pathogens.
T Cells
A type of lymphocyte that plays a key role in the immune response.
Helper T cells – Signal and activate B cells and killer T cells
Killer T cells – Destroy infected or cancerous cells
Suppressor T cells – Slow down the immune response when the threat is gone
Memory T cells – Stay in the body and respond quickly if the same antigen appears again
B Cells
A type of lymphocyte that remains in the body after an infection. If the same antigen enters again, memory B cells respond quickly by producing antibodies.
Plasma Cells
An activated B cell that produces large amounts of antibodies to help destroy specific pathogens.
Macrophage
A large white blood cell that engulfs and digests pathogens, dead cells, and debris through phagocytosis. It also presents antigens to activate other immune cells.
Phagocytosis
The process where certain cells like macrophages or neutrophils swallow and digest harmful invaders like bacteria.
Lymphocytes
A group of white blood cells involved in the specific immune response. Includes B cells (make antibodies) and T cells (destroy infected cells).
Thymus
A small organ behind the breastbone where T cells mature before they enter the bloodstream. It’s most active during childhood.
Bone Marrow
Soft tissue inside bones that produces all blood cells, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. It also creates stem cells.
Lymph
A clear fluid that flows through the lymphatic system, carrying white blood cells and removing waste, bacteria, and toxins from tissues.
Edema
Swelling caused by a buildup of excess fluid in the body’s tissues, often due to problems in the lymphatic or circulatory systems.
Coagulation
The process of blood clotting, where platelets, fibrin, and clotting factors work together to stop bleeding from an injury.
Agglutination
The clumping together of red blood cells when incompatible blood types are mixed. This can block blood flow and be dangerous.
Donors
A person who gives blood, an organ, or tissue to another person.
Recipient
The person who receives blood, an organ, or tissue from a donor.
Rhesus Factor
A protein found on the surface of red blood cells. People are either:
Rh-positive (Rh⁺) – have the protein
Rh-negative (Rh⁻) – do not have it
This is important for blood transfusions and pregnancy.
Immunity
The body’s ability to resist or fight off infection. Can be natural (from previous infections) or artificial (from vaccines).
Vaccination
A process where a person is given a weakened or inactive form of a pathogen (or its antigens) to stimulate the immune system and create immunity without causing illness.
