Immune System Flashcards
(16 cards)
What is Microbiology?
Study of microscopic organisms that cannot be seen by the naked eye.
Microbiology includes the study of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microbes.
What is a microbe?
A microbe can be good or bad depending on its effect on humans.
Examples of harmful microbes include ringworm and chickenpox.
What are helpful microbes?
Examples include bacteria and yeast.
Helpful microbes play important roles in processes like fermentation and digestion.
What are the three main types of microbes?
Bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
Each type has unique characteristics and roles in health and disease.
What role do white blood cells play in the immune system?
They attack invaders such as microbes.
The body produces more white blood cells when fighting an infection.
What are lymphocytes?
A type of white blood cell that defends the body by producing antibodies.
Lymphocytes are crucial for adaptive immunity.
How long does the process of antibody production take?
A few days.
During this time, memory cells are formed to recognize pathogens more efficiently.
What are memory cells?
Cells that recognize pathogens more efficiently.
They are essential for long-term immunity.
What are phagocytes?
A type of white blood cell that engulfs and digests pathogens.
They play a key role in the innate immune response.
What is the role of fungi in the ecosystem?
They are a large class of decomposers, mostly harmless.
Fungi help break down organic matter and recycle nutrients.
How do fungi spread?
Through spores.
Spores can be dispersed by wind, water, or animals.
What are anti-fungal treatments used for?
To treat fungal infections.
They target specific components of fungal cells to inhibit growth.
What are viruses?
Microorganisms that can infect and reproduce using their host’s cells.
Viruses are obligate intracellular parasites.
What damage do viruses cause?
They invade and damage host cells.
This can lead to various diseases and immune responses.
What is the purpose of vaccines?
To stimulate the human body to build up a specific defense against certain viruses.
Vaccines activate the immune system to produce antibodies.
Fill in the blank: The body’s immune system is activated by _______.
[vaccines].
Vaccines help prepare the immune system for future encounters with pathogens.
