Immune System Flashcards
(10 cards)
Function of the Lymphatic System
Fights Germs and Infections
Carries white blood cells & filters out harmful bacteria and viruses
Removes Waste and Toxins
Collects waste from body tissues & moves it to the bloodstream for removal
Maintains Fluid Balance
Collects extra fluid (lymph) from tissues & returns it to the bloodstream
Transports Fats
Absorbs fats and vitamins from the small intestine & moves them into the bloodstream
Function of the Immune system
The purpose of the immune system is to provide protection against disease-causing agents.
What are Lymph nodes/ function
Filter lymph before it is returned to the blood near the heart and aids the body’s Immune System
White Blood Cells (WBC’s) cells in nodes:
What are Lymphoid organs
Several other organs contribute to lymphatic function
Spleen
Thymus
Tonsils
Peyer’s patches
Review on the Immune system
Pathogens = disease-producing agents.
Not all microorganisms are pathogenic.
Microorganisms live on skin, in the intestines, upper respiratory tract, lower urinary tract, reproductive tract, etc…
Some have symbiotic relationships with our bodies, help maintain homeostasis.
What is Passive Immunity
Passive Immunity - immune defenses transferred from mothers to babies, or from monoclonal antibody therapy
Active Immunity
Active Immunity - when your body makes its own antibodies against a specific pathogen because of exposure or vaccination.
Vaccines
Vaccines–small amounts of weakened or dead pathogens that stimulate an immune response to develop active immunity.
What are the 3 lines if defenses
1st Line- ( Non specific ) In order for pathogens to enter… they must first break through your skin.
They will first encounter the body’s secretions (sweat, oil, mucus, tears, saliva)
Main function of mucus is to prevent areas from drying out. It also traps microorganisms.
2nd Line - ( Non specific ) White blood cells, are responsible for protecting your body from infection. They circulate in your blood and respond to injury or illness.
In the 2nd line of defense, the WBCs respond in a non-specific way, attacking ANY invaders that break in the body’s outer barriers.
3rd Line- ( Specific )- Specific white blood cells can locate the site of an infection and notify other white blood cells of their location. They fight the invader by producing specific antibody proteins to attach to the organism and destroy it.
What are some Specific White blood cells
Macrophages - ingest and break down foreign materials.
T-Cells - recognize antigens* and reproduce rapidly. Some attack foreign material and some signal for B cells.