Non-specififc Immune Responses Flashcards
(45 cards)
What is the immune system?
The immune system is a group of cells,tissues, organs and mechanisms that defend an organism against pathogens and other foreign substances.
What is a pathogen?
A pathogen = a disease causing organism
What is an immune response?
An immune response is a complex series of specific and non-specific processes involving a range of cells and chemicals§
What are the primary defences?
The primary defences are those that attempt to prevent pathogens from entering the body.
Are the primary defences specific or non-specific?
They are non-specific as they just prevent the entry of the pathogen.
What primary defences do we have?
- the skin
- clotting
- mucous membranes
- stomach acid
- tears/saliva
- nasal hair/ear wax
-expulsive reflex
-inflammation
8 primary defences
What is the body covered with?
The body is covered with skin which is our main primary defence. Skin mainly acts as a physical barrier to prevent the entry of microorganisms.
What is the outer layer of the skin called?
The epidermis
What does the epidermis consist of?
The epidermis consists of layers of cells called KERATINOCYTES
Where are the keratinocytes produced?
Keratinocytes are produced by mitosis at the base of the epidermis.
Where do keratinocytes then migrate to?
KERATINOCYTES then migrate to the surface of the skin
What happens as the keratinocytes migrate?
As the keratinocytes migrate they then dry out and the cytoplasm is replaced by the protein keratin.
What is the process by which keratinocytes migrate and dry out and the cytoplasm is replaced with keratin known as?
The process by which keratinocytes migrate, then dry out and the cytoplasm is replaced by keratin is known as KERTANISATION is tasked about 30 days/
What damage the skin and open the body to infect?
Abrasions or laceration damage the skin and open the body to infect
After abrasions and lacerations occur what must the body do to prevent excess blood loss?
When abrasions and lacerations occur the body must prevent excess blood loss by forming a CLOT
What is a clot?
A clot is a temporary seal that prevents infect and allows time for the repairing of skin.
Blood clotting is a complex process, what does it involve?
Blood clotting involves calcium ions and at least 12 factors called clotting factors
Where are many of these clotting factors released from?
Many of these clotting factors are released from PLATELETS and FROM DAMAGED TISSUE.
What do these clotting factors which are released from platelets and damaged tissue used for?
These factors activate and enzyme cascade that leads to a clot.
What are platelets?
Platelets are a component of the blood
whose function is to stop bleeding
by clumping and clotting blood vessel injuries.
NB:
PLATELETS ARE FRAGMENTS OF CYTOPLASM
That are derived from cells found in the bone marrow that enter the circulation
What are areas such as the airways, the lungs and digestive system protected by?
The AIRWAYS, LUNGS and DIGESTIVE SYSTEM are protected by MUCOUS MEMBRANES.
How many types of cells does the epithelial layer contain?
The epithelial layer contains 2 types of cells which help trap and remove mucus:
1. Mucus-secreting cells = goblet cells, these secrete mucus which traps,microorganisms,dust and pollen
2. Cilia- these are fine hair like organelles which can move in a coordinated fashion to help waft the mucus along.
In the lungs they waft the mucus up to the trachea where it can be swallowed and killed by the acidity of the stomach
Where are cilia found?
Cilia are found inside the trachea, bronchi and large bronchioles
