Defenses Against Infection
20 Questions
1 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What characterizes artificially acquired active immunity?

  • It provides immediate but temporary protection.
  • It is stimulated by vaccination using antigens. (correct)
  • It results from natural exposure to a pathogen.
  • It involves the direct transfer of antibodies from mother to child.
  • In which stage of infection does the pathogen begin to multiply without causing noticeable symptoms?

  • Prodromal Stage
  • Illness Stage
  • Incubation Period (correct)
  • Convalescence Stage
  • Which factor does NOT increase the risk of developing infections?

  • Tobacco use
  • Chronic illnesses
  • Regular exercise (correct)
  • Poor air quality
  • What is the correct distinction between primary and secondary infections?

    <p>Primary infections are the initial infections in a patient. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which description accurately defines systemic infections?

    <p>Affects the entire body and spreads through the bloodstream. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is NOT one of the six links in the chain of infection?

    <p>Environmental Factor (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which immunity type develops as a result of exposure to and recovery from a disease?

    <p>Naturally Acquired Active Immunity (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key characteristic of latent infections?

    <p>They may remain dormant for long periods without symptoms. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a method by which pathogens exit their reservoirs?

    <p>Portal of Exit through body fluids (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following correctly describes the decline stage in the stages of infection?

    <p>Symptoms start to subside as the immune response gains control. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does tears play in the immune defense system?

    <p>Tears contain enzymes that breakdown bacterial cell walls. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following processes is characteristic of the innate immune response?

    <p>Phagocytosis by macrophages. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of the complement cascade in the immune system?

    <p>Enhancing the immune response and marking pathogens. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The acidic environment of the stomach primarily serves what purpose in immune defense?

    <p>Destroying many pathogens ingested with food. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main role of cilia in the respiratory tract?

    <p>To trap pathogens in mucus and expel them. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does active immunity differ from passive immunity?

    <p>Active immunity involves the body producing antibodies, while passive immunity involves transfer of antibodies. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements about fever is true?

    <p>Fever can inhibit the growth of pathogens and enhance immune cell activity. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What feature of the skin contributes to its role as the first line of defense?

    <p>Thickness and multiple layers providing structural integrity. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does the flow of urine play in the immune system?

    <p>Flushing out pathogens from the urinary tract. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which immune cells are primarily responsible for specific immunity?

    <p>T and B cells. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Skin as a Defense

    The skin acts as a physical barrier to prevent pathogens from entering the body. It is composed of multiple layers, including the epidermis and dermis.

    Respiratory Tract Defense

    The respiratory system traps and removes pathogens using mucous membranes and cilia. Mucus captures particles, while cilia move the mucus out of the airways.

    Tears as a Defense

    Tears contain lysozyme, an enzyme that breaks down bacterial cell walls, providing a chemical defense against pathogens that may enter through the eyes.

    Saliva as a Defense

    Saliva contains enzymes like amylase and lysozyme which break down pathogens and food, contributing to oral health and infection prevention.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Stomach Acid as a Defense

    The acidic environment of the stomach destroys many pathogens ingested with food, acting as a chemical barrier against infection.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Phagocytosis

    Phagocytes, such as macrophages and neutrophils, engulf and digest pathogens. This process is crucial for the innate immune response.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Complement Cascade

    The complement cascade is a series of proteins that enhance the immune response by marking pathogens for destruction and promoting inflammation.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Inflammation

    Inflammation increases blood flow and permeability of blood vessels, allowing immune cells to reach the site of infection more effectively.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Fever as a Defense

    Fever increases body temperature, inhibiting the growth of pathogens and enhancing the activity of immune cells. It is a systemic response to infection.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Active Immunity

    The body produces its own antibodies in response to an infection or vaccination, providing long-term protection against specific pathogens.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Cellular Immunity

    The immune response that involves T cells, which mature in the thymus and directly attack infected cells.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Humoral Immunity

    The immune response that involves B cells, which produce antibodies that specifically target antigens.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Naturally Acquired Active Immunity

    Immunity acquired through natural exposure to a pathogen, leading to illness and recovery.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Naturally Acquired Passive Immunity

    Immunity acquired by receiving antibodies from a mother, either through the placenta during pregnancy or through breast milk.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Artificially Acquired Active Immunity

    Immunity acquired through vaccination, where weakened or dead pathogens are introduced to stimulate an immune response.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Artificially Acquired Passive Immunity

    Immunity acquired by receiving pre-made antibodies through injection.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Localized Infections

    Infections confined to a specific area, characterized by redness, swelling, and pain.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Systemic Infections

    Infections that spread throughout the body, often with symptoms like fever, chills, and fatigue.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Incubation Period

    The stage of infection where the pathogen is multiplying but symptoms haven't appeared.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Prodromal Stage

    The stage of infection where the immune system starts fighting the pathogen, causing mild symptoms like headache and fatigue.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Study Notes

    Primary Defenses Against Infection

    • Skin: Forms a physical barrier preventing pathogen entry, composed of epidermis and dermis.
    • Respiratory Tract: Mucus and cilia trap and remove pathogens. Mucus catches particles, cilia move mucus out of airways.
    • Eyes: Tears contain lysozyme, an enzyme that breaks down bacterial cell walls, providing chemical defense.
    • Mouth: Saliva contains enzymes (amylase, lysozyme) to break down pathogens and food.
    • Gastrointestinal (GI) Tract: Stomach's acidic environment (pH 1.5-3.5) destroys many ingested pathogens.
    • Genitourinary (GU) Tract: Urine flow flushes pathogens from the urinary tract.

    Secondary Defenses Against Infection

    • Phagocytosis: Macrophages and neutrophils engulf and digest pathogens.
    • Complement Cascade: Series of proteins enhancing immune response by marking pathogens and promoting inflammation. Activated by antibodies or pathogen surfaces.
    • Inflammation: Increased blood flow and vessel permeability to allow immune cells to reach infection site; triggered by tissue damage or infection.
    • Fever: Increased body temperature inhibits pathogen growth and enhances immune cell activity; a systemic response to infection.

    Tertiary Defenses Against Infection

    • Active Immunity: Body produces its own antibodies in response to infection or vaccination, providing long-term protection.
    • Passive Immunity: Transfer of antibodies from one individual to another (e.g., maternal antibodies to infant); provides temporary protection.
    • Specific Immunity: Immune cells (T and B cells) recognize and target specific pathogens, creating a tailored immune response.
    • Cellular Immunity: T cells (mature in thymus) identify and destroy infected cells, crucial for adaptive immunity.
    • Humoral Immunity: B cells (originate from bone marrow) produce antibodies targeting antigens, neutralizing pathogens.

    Types of Immunity

    Naturally Acquired Immunity

    • Naturally Acquired Active Immunity: Immunity develops from exposure and recovery from an illness. Provides lifelong immunity for some diseases (e.g., measles), while others provide shorter-term protection.
    • Naturally Acquired Passive Immunity: Transfer of antibodies from mother to infant (placenta, breast milk); provides temporary immunity.

    Artificially Acquired Immunity

    • Artificially Acquired Active Immunity: Created by vaccinations; introduces antigens (dead or inactivated microbes or toxins) to stimulate an immune response without illness.
    • Artificially Acquired Passive Immunity: Injection of antibodies (animal or human origin) for immediate, temporary protection.

    Factors Increasing Infection Risk

    • Developmental Stage: Infants/young children-immature immune systems. Older adults-weakened systems.
    • Breaks in Primary Defense: Skin injuries (cuts, abrasions), mucous membrane damage.
    • Illness/Injury: Chronic conditions (diabetes, COPD), acute illnesses (flu, pneumonia).
    • Tobacco Use: Damages respiratory tract, impairs immune system.
    • Substance Abuse: Alcohol/drugs weaken the immune system.
    • Multiple Sexual Partners: Increased risk of STIs.
    • Environmental Factors: Crowded/unsanitary conditions; poor air quality.
    • Chronic Diseases: HIV/AIDS, cancer, autoimmune diseases.
    • Medications: Immunosuppressants (corticosteroids, chemotherapy); antibiotics that alter normal flora.
    • Invasive Procedures: Catheterization, IV lines, surgery.

    Stages of Infection

    • Incubation Period: Time between exposure and symptom onset; pathogen multiplies, host shows no signs.
    • Prodromal Stage: Mild, nonspecific symptoms (fatigue, headache); pathogen multiplication continues, immune response begins.
    • Illness Stage: Severe, specific symptoms; pathogen at peak activity, immune response strongest.
    • Decline Stage: Symptoms subside as immune system gains control; pathogen numbers decline.
    • Convalescence Stage: Recovery; body repairs; symptoms disappear.

    Localized vs. Systemic Infections

    Feature Localized Infection Systemic Infection
    Definition Confined to a specific area Affects entire body
    Symptoms Redness, swelling, pain Fever, chills, fatigue
    Spread Does not spread Spreads through bloodstream
    Treatment Localized treatments (creams, ointments) Systemic treatments (oral/IV antibiotics)

    Infection Classifications

    • Local vs. Systemic: Local—limited harm; Systemic—pathogen invades blood/lymph, spreads throughout body.
    • Primary vs. Secondary: Primary—initial infection; Secondary—follows primary infection.
    • Exogenous vs. Endogenous: Exogenous—acquired from environment; Endogenous—originates from patient's normal flora.
    • Acute vs. Chronic vs. Latent: Acute—rapid onset, short duration; Chronic—slow onset, long duration; Latent—no symptoms for extended periods.

    Chain of Infection

    • Infectious Agent: Pathogen (bacteria, virus, fungus, parasite).
    • Reservoir: Where pathogen lives and multiplies (humans, animals, environment).
    • Portal of Exit: Pathogen's route from reservoir (body fluids, etc.).
    • Mode of Transmission: How pathogen spreads (direct contact, airborne, vector-borne).
    • Portal of Entry: Pathogen's route into new host (mucous membranes, wounds).
    • Susceptible Host: Individual vulnerable to infection (age, immune status, health conditions).

    Studying That Suits You

    Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

    Quiz Team

    Description

    Explore the primary and secondary defenses the body uses to combat infections. From physical barriers like skin to immune responses like phagocytosis, this quiz will test your knowledge on how our body protects itself from pathogens. Learn about the mechanisms involved and their importance in maintaining health.

    More Like This

    Pathogens and Human Diseases
    30 questions
    The Immune System Quiz
    12 questions

    The Immune System Quiz

    RichMossAgate5887 avatar
    RichMossAgate5887
    Human Defence System Matching Quiz
    23 questions
    Use Quizgecko on...
    Browser
    Browser