Foundations in Immunology Flashcards
(20 cards)
State the main role of the immune system
The immune system protects the body from pathogens
Name the 3 main parts of the immune system
Physical barriers
Innate immune system
Aquired immune system
State the physical barriers in the body
Skin
Mucous
Stomach
Tears, saliva, sweat
Explain the difference between the innate and adaptive immune system
The innate immune system is always present whereas the adaptive immune system stimulated by exposure to a pathogen
Deacribe the features of the innate immune system
Non-specific
Fast and immediate
Distinguishes between human cells and pathogens but not between different types of pathogens
No memory so will produce the same response every time
Describe the adaptive immune system
Specific
Slower, takes a few days to develop
Distinguishes between different types of pathogens
Immunological memory
State the major cells of the innate immune system and the role they play
Macrophages
Neutrophils
Basophils
Eosinophils
Mast cells
What is a phagocyte?
Cells of the immune system that identify, engulf and destroy pathogens and damaged cells
Describe phagocytosis and intracellular killing.
Phagocytes move towards microbe and allow them to attach to their surface
The microbe is then consumed by the phagocyte via endocytosis and a phagosome is formed
The phagosome combines with a lysosome and kills the bacteria with digestive enzymes
Waste products are then discharged from the cell
Name the two white blood cells which act as phagocytes
Macrophages
Neutrophils
What is the function of an eosinophil?
Combat parasytic infections
Involved in allergy and asthma
Understand the role of cytokines.
Define the primary and secondary lymphoid organs.
Define the function of lymphoid organs.
- Understand the features of T-helper 1, T helper 2 and cytotoxic T cells (Tc).
- Understand antigen processing and T-cell interactions.
Understand the role of B cells in immunity.
Understand the structure and function of antibodies.
Understand the role of the complement.
Understand the active and passive immunity.
