Unit 4 - Immunology Flashcards
(21 cards)
Describe what is meant by the term ‘non-specific’ as applied to cells?
The defenses are general, all invading pathogens
Explain how tissues can provide a physical defense against infection
The epithelium can form a barrier preventing the entry of pathogens
Name two secretions from epithelial cells cells that provide defense against infection.
Mucus secreted from the breathing tube epithelium
Acid secreted by the cells in the stomach epithelium
Name the molecules present on the surface of pathogens that phagocytes recognise
Antigens
Define apoptosis
Induced cell suicide
Define immune surveillance
A range of white blood cells constantly patrolling and monitoring the tissues
Describe the role of cytokines in defense
They are signal molecules;
They increase blood flow to the infected site
They activate white blood cells
Define ‘allergic response’
The hypersensitive B lymphocyte response to a normally harmless antigen
Define ‘autoimmune response’
Immune system regulation failure;
Leads to response of T lymphocytes to self antigens
Define ‘immunological memory’
A long term existence of memory cells following a primary exposure to antigens, allows rapid, greater immune response to secondary exposure to the same antigen
Name two microorganisms that act as pathogens
Bacteria & virus
Name two transmission methods
Direct contact - shaking hands
Exchanging fluids - secretion
Define quarantine
Enforced isolation of individual to prevent spreading of infectious diseases
Define antisepsis
Practises that destroy pathogens or inhibit their growth
Describe individual responsibility of prevention of spread of infection
Personal hygiene and sexual health
Describe the communities responsibility to control spread of infection
Providing high quality water supplies
Safe food webs
Safe sewage disposal
Describe ‘vaccine’
Pharmaceutical that produce an immune response without symptoms of disease
Explain the role of adjuvants in immunity
Added to vaccines to enhance the immune response
Define double blind
When the participant and administrator don’t know if the participant is receiving a placebo or vaccination
Define placebo control
Some participants receive a placebo rather than vaccine under trial
How can pathogens evade human immunological memory system?
They change their antigen constantly
They can survive within host cells
