W1: Immune System Flashcards
(29 cards)
What are the functions of the immune system
- To recognise and destroy foreign pathogens like bacteria, virus and fungi and identify cancer cells.
- To adapt the body to new threats and works as a defense mechanism in identifying previous exposure to the body.
- Helps the body with healing and repair.
What are the two main components of the immune system?
Innate immune system and
Adaptive immune system.
What is the difference between the innate and adaptive immune system?
- The innate immune system provides immediate, non-specific defense.
- The adaptive immune system develops a targeted response to specific pathogens over time.
What types of cells are involved in the adaptive immune response?
Cells of the adaptive immune response:
T-Lymphocytes
B-Lymphocytes
What role do white blood cells play in the immune system?
White blood cells, or leukocytes, identify and eliminate pathogens and foreign materials
How does the skin contribute to the immune response?
The skin acts as a physical barrier against pathogens and external environmental factors like temperature.
What is the function of the mucosal immune system?
The mucosal immune system protects mucosal surfaces (like the gut and respiratory tract) for defending against pathogens entering through these routes.
What is the role of neutrophils in the immune system?
Neutrophils are a type of white blood cells that are among the first immune cells to arrive and respond at the infection site.
How do natural killer (NK) cells function in the immune system?
Natural killer (NK) cells are lymphocytes that can recognize and destroy infected or cancerous cells by a process of apoptosis
What is the role of eosinophils in the immune system?
Eosinophils are white blood cells that are activated during parasitic infestations and allergic reactions.
What is the role of macrophages in the immune system?
Macrophages engulf and digest pathogens and dead cells, playing a key role in both innate and adaptive immunity.
What are the signs of inflammation?
- redness,
- heat,
- swelling,
- Pain
- Loss of function of the inflamed tissue
What are the microscopic changes of inflammation?
- Vasodilatation
- Increased capillary permeability
- Diapedesis
What is Diapedesis?
Diapedesis or migration occurs when the leucocytes adhere to wall of capillaries by migrating through enlarged endothelial junctions.
How does body respond to an infection or injury?
Body responds in the form of inflammation or infection.
What cells are activated in adaptive immune response?
The adaptive immune response primarily involves T cells and B cells.
What is the function of plasma cells?
- Plasma cells are differentiated B cells that produce and secrete large amounts of antibodies specific to an antigen.
What is the significance of memory cells in the immune system?
Memory cells are long-lived immune cells that remember past infections, allowing for a quicker and stronger response upon re-exposure to the same pathogen.
What is the difference between a primary and secondary immune response?
A primary immune response occurs after the first exposure to an antigen, while a secondary immune response is faster and stronger due to the presence of memory cells upon re-exposure.
What are the different types of T-Cells?
- Cytotoxic T-cells»_space; effector cells» attack the infected or cancerous cells.
- Helper T-cells»_space; help in humoral immunity and non-specific immunity.
- Memory T-cells»_space; responsible to remember the pathogen which infected the destroyed cells.
What is the role of regulatory T cells in the immune system?
Regulatory T cells help maintain immune tolerance and prevent excessive immune responses that can lead to tissue damage
How does the body distinguish between self and non-self cells?
The immune system distinguishes self from non-self through the recognition of specific molecules on cell surfaces, known as major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules.
What is the role of antibodies in the immune response?
Antibodies are proteins produced by B cells that specifically bind to antigens, neutralizing pathogens or marking them for destruction.
Name some antibodies present in the human body?
IgA = PASSIVE Immunity to new born.
IgD = activation of B-Cells.
IgE = Stimulates Basophils and Mast cells to produce Histamine in Hypersensitivity Reactions and Parasitic infections
IgG = Adaptive Immune response (80%).
IgM = Adaptive immune response (10%)
