primary non-specific defenses Flashcards
(26 cards)
What is keratin?
A fibrous protein with more than one polypeptide chain
What contributes to the strength of keratin?
Disulfide bridges and additional hydrogen bonding
Fill in the blank: Keratin is a _______ protein.
[fibrous]
True or False: Keratin has only one polypeptide chain.
False
What type of bonding is involved in the structure of keratin?
Disulfide bridges and hydrogen bonding
What is the outer layer of the skin called?
Epidermis
The epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin, providing a protective barrier.
What are keratinocytes?
Cells produced by mitosis at the base of the epidermis
Keratinocytes are the primary cell type in the epidermis, responsible for the formation of keratin.
What process do keratinocytes undergo as they migrate to the skin surface?
Keratinisation
Keratinisation involves the maturation and drying out of keratinocytes, leading to the formation of a protective barrier.
How long does the process of keratinisation take?
About 30 days
This timeframe can vary slightly among individuals but is generally around 30 days.
What happens to keratinocytes during keratinisation?
Their cytoplasm is replaced by keratin and they die
This transformation results in keratinised tissue that is strong and waterproof.
What is the significance of keratinised tissue?
Acts as an effective barrier to pathogens
The keratinised outer layer protects against infections and environmental damage.
what is the formation of a blood clot called?
thrombosis
what is the name of clotting factor III?
thromboplastin
What is the role of platelets in blood?
Platelets adhere to each other and form a blockage known as a platelet plug during the early stages of the response to blood vessel injury.
What is a platelet plug?
A blockage formed by platelets during the early stages of the response to blood vessel injury.
Is the platelet plug a permanent structure?
No, it is considered to be a temporary blockage.
What happens at the culmination of the sequence of events following blood vessel injury?
A more permanent structure is formed.
Fill in the blank: The sticky nature of _______ allows them to adhere to each other.
[platelets]
True or False: A platelet plug is a permanent blockage.
False
What initiates the formation of a platelet plug?
Blood vessel injury.
What is the initial response of platelets to blood vessel injury?
They form a platelet plug.
Fill in the blank: The platelet plug is formed during the _______ stages of the response to blood vessel injury.
[early]
