Immune System Flashcards
Self cells
Cells, Tissues, and molecules comprising ones own body
Non Self Cells (Antigen)
Molecule that stimulate your immune system to mount an immune response
Example of Self Marker Cells
A,B,O Antigens (Blood Types)
MHC
Major Histocompatibility Complex
Antigen
A unique molecule or part of a molecule initiating an immune response
Self Antigen
From within the body
Tolerated by the immune system
Non Self Antigen
From external environment
Identified as invaders and attacked by the immune system
Auto immune disorder
When the immune system mistakenly attacks own body tissue
MHC I Markers
found on almost all body cells
alert the immune system if a cell gets infected
MCH II Markers
Found on certain white blood cells
Dendritic Cells, Macrophages, and B Cells
What do MHC Markers Do?
Activate other parts of the immune system if an infection is detected within the body
Pathogens
Agents that cause disease or illness in their host
Two Types:
Cellular Pathogens
Non cellular Pathogens
Types of Cellular Pathogens
Bacteria
Fungi
Worms
Protozoa
Bacteria
Bacteria can cause disease if they enter the host, by reproducing inside the host, causing harm
Some bacteria cause disease by directly damaging tissue
Others secrete enzymes that digest material that holds the cell together
Fungi
Most fungal infections affect the exzternal surface layers of the body
Feed on dead outer layers of skin
(Tinnea, Ringworm)
Worms
Multicellular Invertebrate Parasites
(Tapeworm)
Protozoa
Single cell eukaryotes that can live free or parasitic
Many different mechanisms of action
(Malaria)
Types of Non Cellular Pathogens
Prions
Viruses
Prions
Abnormal and infectious proteins causin Neurodegenerative disease (diseases within the nervous system)
Convert normal proteins into neurodegenerative ones through contact
Mis-shaped proteins that cause disease by aggregating to form plaques in the Central Nervous System, Disrupting normal tissue, causing formation of holes
(Mad Cow Disease)
Viruses
Obligate intracellular parasites - They MUST infect the host to reproduce
Consist of DNA or RNA inside a protein coat, lack the machinery required to produce their own proteins
Viruses use RIBOSOMES or ENZYMES of their host to express the gene
Viruses are NOT considered living organisms, as they cannot independantly reproduce
Physical barriers in plants (1st LoD)
Bark
Waxy Intact Cuticle
Cellulose Cell wall
Thorns
Chemical Barriers in plants (1st LoD)
Peppermint oil - acts as antibacterial chemical
Citronella oil - Protects against fungi and bacteria
Physical Barriers in Animals (1st LoD)
Intact Skin
Mucous Membrane
Mechanical Barriers (reflexes) (1st LoD)
Sneezing
Coughing
Vomiting
Diarrhoeia
Flushing Tears
Flushing Urine