Human Phys Flashcards
What is another name for red blood cells?
Erythrocytes.
What is another name for white blood cell?
Leukocyte
What is non-specific immunity ?
Ingestion of pathogens by phagocytic WBC.
What are lymphocytes ?
Any WBC that is responsible for the immune response. They detect infections, give the alarm, produce antibodies.
What is specific immunity ?
Antibody production by lymphocytes in response to particular pathogens.
Define antibody.
Substances that are produced in response to a specific antigen in a pathogen and that bind to an antigen on that pathogen.
Define plasma cells.
Mature B lymphocytes that produce and secrete large amounts of antibodies during an immune response.
Define memory cell.
B lymphocytes that remain in the body to identify pathogens.
What’s the principle of ‘Challenge and Response’ ?
Principle to produce antibodies in vast quantities quickly
Define zoonosis.
When a pathogen crosses a species barrier.
Define opsonisation.
Antibodies make the pathogen more recognisable so that the pathogen is more readily engulfed by phagocytosis.
What is neutralisation of viruses & bacteria ?
When antibiotics prevent viruses/bacteria from docking at cells so they can’t enter cells.
What is neutralisation of toxins ?
When antibodies bind to toxins produced by pathogens which prevents them from affecting susceptible cells.
Define activation of complement.
Antibodies activate the complement system. This is a group of proteins that forms pores in the membranes of pathogens, allowing water and ions to enter by osmosis, leading to lysis.
Define agglutination.
Antibodies can cause pathogens to stick together so they can’t enter cells and are easier for phagocytes to ingest.
Define hybridoma and what they’re used for.
A cell resulting from the fusion of a tumour cell with an antibody-producing plasma cell. Hybridoma cells produce monoclonal antibodies.
Used for cancer cells and rabies.
Define pathogen.
An organism or virus that causes a disease.
Define antibiotics.
A chemical substance that inhibits the growth of prokaryotic cells.
Define antigens.
Substances or molecules that stimulate an immune response.
Define allergens.
Environmental substances that trigger an immune response despite not being intrinsically harmful.
Define histamine.
A chemical that is released by mast cells as an immune response.
What is IgE ?
Immunoglobulins are a type of antibody
What do HIV & AIDS stand for ?
HIV : human immunodeficiency virus
AIDS : acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
What are opportunistic infections ?
Infections that are normally easily fought off by the immune system of a healthy person.
