Immunity Flashcards
(46 cards)
What is the immune system?
The complex network of organs, cells, and molecules that work together to protect the body from infection
What is the lymphatic system?
helps remove waste products, bacteria, and damaged cells from the body, and provides an important defense against infections
Circulatory
Responsible for transporting blood, nutrients, and waste throughout the body
Main functions of lymphatic system
immune defense and waste removal
Major structures in the lymphatic system
lymph nodes, spleen, thymus, and tonsils
What does the lymphatic system do?
provides a route for excess fluid in tissues to return to the blood
What is lymph?
Colorless fluid containing white blood cells, found in tissues and drains through the lymphatic system into the bloodstream
What do lymphs contain?
waste products, cellular debris, bacteria, and proteins, as well as lymphocytes!
Lymphocytes
Majority of cells in lymph, a type of white blood cell
What is innate immunity?
Provides immediate, non-specific defense against pathogens, like the first line of defense (blocks the spread of pathogens through out body)
What is considered innate immunity?
physical barriers like our skin and stomach acid, as well as cells like macrophages and dendritic cells that attack pathogens
What is adaptive immunity?
More specific and develops after exposure to a particular pathogen
What is considered adaptive immunity?
involves specialized cells called B and T lymphocytes which can recognize and attack specific pathogens
What are antigens?
a substance from the surface of pathogen
What are antibodies?
a blood protein produced in response to and counteracting a specific antigen
What is the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC)?
- a locus on DNA that codes for cells surface proteins essential for the adaptive immune system
- Helps our immune system recognize and destroy infected cells (MHC I) or harmful pathogen (MHC II)
MHC 2
antigens from outside cells
MHC 1
antigens from inside cells
Ex. viruses that have infected the cell
Where is MHC 2 found?
Found on special immune cells called antigen-presentings cells (APCs)
Where is MHC 1 found?
Found anywhere in the body
What are T cells?
Special immune cells that recognize the antigens and trigger an immune response
How many cells can each T cell recognize?
Only recognize a specific sequence of a song peptide which helps the immune system target the specific antigens that are causing the infection
B Lymphocytes
a type of white blood cell responsible for producing antibodies
Do B lymphocytles connect to the immune system?
Yes, to the adaptive immune system
