Unit 6 Flashcards
Immunity
The ability of the body to fight off invaders/pathogens.
Primary Lymphoid Organ
Organs where lymphocytes develop. Bone marrow and thymus.
Secondary Lymphoid Organ
Where lymphocytes interact and initiate responses. Spleen, lymph nodes, tonsils, and Gut Associated Lymphoid Tissue (GALT). Filters blood and lymph for pathogens and pathogen containing lymphocytes. Pulp inside allows mixing of lymphocytes and other leukocytes. Arteries and veins supply nutrients and O2.
Lymph
A clear fluid where active immune cells are found.
Lymph Vessel
Carry lymph and are attached to lymphoid organs.
Eosinophils
Cytotoxic granulocytes with bright pink staining granules. Role in defence against parasites and function in allergic response. Few in peripheral circulation (only live 6-12 hours). Found in digestive tract, lungs, genital tract, and skin. Respond by binding to an antibody-coated parasite and degranulate. Granule contents (toxic enzymes and oxidative chemicals) damage and kill parasites. Can also degranulate in allergic responses.
Basophils/Mast Cells
Granulocytes involved in allergic responses. Have large dark blue staining granules. Basophils are found in the blood while mast cells are found in tissues such as the digestive tract, lungs, and skin. Granules contain histamine, heparin, and cytokines.
Neutrophils
Granulocytes that are phagocytic. Are the most abundant leukocyte (50-70% of total leukocytes). Live 1-2 days and can ingest 5-20 bacteria. Can leave the circulatory system to attack pathogens in tissues. Granules contain cytokines that cause fever and start other inflammatory responses.
Monocytes
Are precursor cells of tissue macrophages and are uncommon in blood (1-6% of leukocytes). Estimated in the blood for 8 hours before moving into tissues to become macrophages.
Lymphocytes
Key players in the adaptive immune response. Make up 20-30% of all leukocytes. Only 5% of them are in circulation (most are found in lymphoid tissues). 10^12 per individual at any given time. They all look alike under a microscope but have fundamental differences in function.
Dendritic Cells
Phagocytic antigen presenting cells (APCs). Have long thin processes (like dendrites on a neuron). Found in skin and other organs. They recognize and engulf pathogens to place on cell surface. Activated cells migrate to secondary lymphoid organs to present the antigens to lymphocytes.
Granulocytes
Have prominent cytoplasmic granules. Eosinophils, basophils (mast cells), and neutrophils.
Phagocytes
Can engulf and ingest pathogens. Neutrophils, macrophages (monocytes), and dendritic cells.
Cytotoxic Cells
Kill other cells and even self-cells. Eosinophils and some lymphocytes (cytotoxic T cells and natural killer cells).
Antigen Presenting Cells (APCs)
Display fragments of pathogens on cell surface. Some lymphocytes (certain B cells), dendritic cells, and macrophages.
Innate Immunity
Present before pathogen is encountered and is non-specific. All organisms have this.
Adaptive Immunity
Directed at specific invaders and develops after the pathogen is encountered. It remembers past infections. Is broken down into cell-mediated immunity and antibody-mediated immunity (humoral immunity). Only found in vertebrates.
Humoral Immunity
Antibody-mediated immunity due to B cells.
Cell-Mediated Immunity
Relies on cells, not antibodies.
Chemotaxin
Attract leukocytes to the infected area.
Cytokines
Chemicals that affect growth or activity of other cells.
Interleukins
A group of cytokines that play a role in cell-to-cell communication and regulating immune response.
Complement
A collective term for over 25 blood proteins.
Phagocytosis
Eating particles such as bacteria or other pathogens.