Fighting Disease Flashcards
Infection and Response (14 cards)
What role does the skin play in the immune system?
Acts as a barrier to pathogens and secretes antimicrobial substances that kill pathogens.
The skin is the first line of defense against infections.
How do hair and mucus in the nose help protect against pathogens?
They trap particles that could contain pathogens.
This mechanism prevents harmful microorganisms from entering the respiratory system.
What is the function of mucus secreted by the trachea and bronchi?
To trap pathogens.
Mucus helps to prevent infections by capturing harmful particles.
What structures line the trachea and bronchi to assist in pathogen removal?
Cilia.
Cilia are hair-like structures that help move mucus up to the throat.
What does the stomach produce to kill pathogens?
Hydrochloric acid.
This acid is a part of the digestive process and also serves as a defense mechanism.
What happens when pathogens enter the body?
The immune system kicks in to destroy them.
The immune response is activated to combat infections.
What is the primary component of the immune system that patrols the body?
White blood cells.
These cells are crucial for identifying and eliminating pathogens.
What is phagocytosis?
The process by which white blood cells engulf and digest foreign cells.
This is one of the primary mechanisms of the immune response.
What are antigens?
Unique molecules on the surface of invading pathogens.
Antigens trigger the immune response and are recognized by white blood cells.
What do white blood cells produce when they encounter an unfamiliar antigen?
Antibodies.
Antibodies specifically target the antigens of pathogens for destruction.
What is the role of antibodies in the immune response?
To lock onto invading cells so they can be found and destroyed by other white blood cells.
Antibodies ensure a targeted attack on specific pathogens.
What happens upon reinfection with the same pathogen?
White blood cells rapidly produce antibodies to kill it.
This process provides immunity to previously encountered pathogens.
What are B lymphocytes?
White blood cells that produce antibodies.
They play a critical role in the humoral immune response.
What do antitoxins do?
Counteract toxins produced by invading bacteria.
This helps to neutralize harmful effects of bacterial infections.
