Health and Environmental Science Quiz

Immune System Overview

• The immune system is the body's collective defense mechanisms, encompassing surface barriers and specialized cells, tissues, and organs.
• It protects against pathogens (disease-causing organisms) and cancer.
• Physical and chemical barriers include skin, mucous membranes, and the respiratory tract, lined with mucous membranes and cilia.

Innate Immune System

• The innate immune system is the body's first line of defense.
• It consists of various cells, including neutrophils, eosinophils, macrophages, natural killer cells, and dendritic cells.

Adaptive Immune System

• The adaptive immune system is a more complex, highly specific response.
• It utilizes lymphocytes (T and B cells) with receptors to recognize specific antigens.
• B cells mature into plasma cells which produce antibodies.
• T cells mature into helper T cells, killer T cells, or suppressor T cells .
• These cells mount a rapid response to previously encountered invaders.

Antigens and Antibodies

• Antigens are substances that trigger an immune response.
• Antibodies are specialized proteins that neutralize specific antigens and invaders.

Inflammatory Response

• Macrophages engulf invaders and communicate the threat to other immune system cells.
• Blood vessels dilate, fluid leaks out into injured tissue, and pus—dead white blood cells and debris—may collect at the infection site.

Immune Response Phases

• Phase 1: Recognition: Dendritic cells are involved in recognizing invaders.
• Phase 2: Proliferation: Helper T cells multiply, increasing the production of killer T and B cells, and secreting the necessary chemical messengers (cytokines).
• Phase 3: Elimination: Killer T cells directly attack invaders.
• Phase 4: Slowdown: Some memory T and B cells remain for future encounters with the same invader.

Immunity

• After an infection, immunity to the pathogen is typically acquired.
• Memory T and B cells continue to circulate in the blood and lymphatic system. This immunity is part of the adaptive immune response.

Lymphatic System

• The lymphatic system comprises vessels that carry lymph and contains organs (like the spleen and lymph nodes).
• The vessels collect excess fluid from body tissues, potentially containing microbes.

Immunization

• Immunization, through vaccines, primes the body to remember a specific antigen.

Allergy

• Allergies are due to an exaggerated immune response to harmless substances (allergens).
• Allergens trigger the release of histamine, associated with inflammation.
• Common allergens include pollen, animal dander, dust mites, molds, and mildew, and foods.

International Travel and Vaccine

• International travel contributes to the spread of infectious diseases.
• Different types of vaccines exist for viruses and bacteria including attenuated organisms and killed viruses.

Epidemics and Pandemics

• An epidemic involves a rapidly spreading disease exceeding usual occurrences.
• A pandemic refers to worldwide spread of an infectious disease.

COVID-19

• COVID-19 is a prominent example of a pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2.
• Vaccination is recommended for individuals of various ages to prevent or mitigate transmission.

Pathogens & Treatment Bacteria

• Bacteria are microscopic single-celled organisms.
• Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lungs and may be caused by bacteria.
• Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges (protective membranes of the brain and spinal cord).
• Infections such as strep throat, toxic shock syndrome, staph infections, tuberculosis, tick-borne illnesses, ulcers, tetanus, C. diff and infectious diseases impacting the urinary tract or digestive system are also caused by bacteria.
• Antibiotics are used in the treatment of bacterial infections.

Pathogens & Treatment Viruses

• Viruses are microscopic parasites that replicate inside cells.
• The common cold, influenza, measles, mumps, rubella, chickenpox (including varicella-zoster), cold sores, herpes simplex, Epstein-Barr, viral hepatitis(HAV, HBV, HCV), and HPV are some examples of viral infections.
• Antiviral drugs are treatments for some viral infections.

Other Pathogens & Treatment

• Fungi reproduce by spores and can cause infections like athlete's foot.
• Protozoa are single-celled organisms and some infectious diseases include malaria and giardiasis.
• Parasitic worms, including tapeworms, hookworms, and pinworms, are common pathogens.

Major STIs

• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) spread through sexual contact.
• Major STIs include HIV/AIDS, chlamydia, gonorrhoea, HPV, herpes, hepatitis, and syphilis.

HIV/AIDS

• HIV is a chronic viral infection that causes AIDS.
• It leads to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) characterized by a substantial reduction in the numbers of CD4 T-cells.
• Symptoms may be flu-like, and opportunistic infections may result in an individual with HIV/AIDS.
• Transmission involves blood, semen, vaginal, and cervical secretions (but not air or water).

Chlamydia

• Chlamydia is the most prevalent bacterial STI in the U.S., caused by Chlamydia trachomatis.
• Untreated, it can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
• Diagnostic tools include laboratory tests. Commonly treated with antibiotics, and expedited partner therapy is often recommended

Gonorrhea, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

• Gonorrhea, a bacterial STI, thrives in mucous membranes.
• It is often sexually transmitted by contact with infected bodily fluids including penile-vaginal sex.
• Complications from untreated gonorrhea and/or chlamydia infections may manifest as PID.

HPV

• Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a prevalent STI.
• It can cause various diseases.
• Vaccines are available to prevent HPV infection.

Herpes

• Herpes simplex virus (HSV), causes genital herpes; characterized by recurring outbreaks.

Hepatitis

• Hepatitis A, B, or C affect the liver.
• Hepatitis B is commonly spread by blood, semen, saliva, or vaginal secretions.
• Vaccination is available.

Syphilis

• Syphilis, caused by Treponema pallidum, is treated with antibiotics.
• It can lead to multiple stages and potential damage to organs, and is usually sexually transmitted.

Other STIs

• Trichomoniasis: a prevalent non-viral STI, most common in the US.
• Bacterial vaginosis (BV): an abnormal discharge due to unhealthy vaginal bacteria.
• Pubic lice (crabs) and scabies: contagious parasitic infections.
• Often, prompt treatment is necessary to minimize risk of complications and spread to others.

Environmental Health

• Environmental health focuses on the interactions between humans and their surroundings.
• Environmental pollutants cause numerous diseases and can have chronic effects on human health.
• Technological advances have increased our ability to affect the environment.
• Rapid population growth means more competition for resources.

Population Control and Growth

• World population is currently around 7.8 billion and is expected to continue growing at a rate of around 80 million per year.
• Factors that may eventually cap population growth include food availability, land and water resources, energy supplies, and a minimum acceptable standard of living.
• Factors contributing to population growth include high birth rates and lack of family planning.

Energy Use and Production

• Energy consumption is a significant factor in environmental problems.
• Automobile exhaust and the burning of oil and coal by industry and power plants contribute to pollution.

Renewable Energy

• Renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar, geothermal, biomass, and biofuels, are naturally replenished.
• These sources pose fewer environmental risks than fossil fuels.

Air Quality and Pollution

• Air pollution is a major health concern, estimated to cause millions of deaths annually.
• The Air Quality Index (AQI) helps determine air pollution levels compared to health concerns.
• Air pollutants such as carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, particulate matter, and ozone from car emissions, power plants, and factories impact air quality.

Greenhouse Effect and Global Warming

• The greenhouse effect is the process of radiation that traps heat and raises the temperature of the lower atmosphere.
• Global warming (climate change) is caused by increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases.
• Contributing factors to climate change and global warming are related to increased rainfall and flooding, increased heat stress/related mortalities, urban pollution, tropical diseases, and changes in vegetation zones and ecosystems

Thinning of the Ozone Layer

• The ozone layer protects Earth from the sun's harmful UV rays.
• Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are a major contributor to ozone depletion, originating from various industrial applications such as coolants and other products.

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)

• Indoor pollutants such as ETS (Environmental Tobacco Smoke) and other chemical by-products affect IAQ.
• Pollutants can be from the use of cleaning supplies, and other sources.

Water Quality and Pollution

• Water contamination necessitates ensuring access to clean drinking water and proper sanitation.
• Residual sludge from sewage treatment plants is often contaminated with heavy metals and chemicals/pollutants.
• Water shortages increase as rapid population growth stresses the water systems.

Solid Waste Pollution

• Paper products are the largest single component of household trash.
• Approximately 1% of solid waste is considered toxic.
• E-waste (discarded technology), is a significant type of toxic waste that often has a long biodegradation period, but isn't completely toxic.

Chemical Pollution and Hazardous Waste

• Asbestos, lead, pesticides, and mercury are examples of hazardous substances that cause chemical pollution.
• These hazardous substances have been connected to diseases.

Radiation Pollution

• Radiation, such as gamma rays, ultraviolet rays, microwaves, X-rays, and those from uranium and nuclear weapons, presents a health concern in high doses and exposure.

Noise Pollution

• Prolonged exposure to noise above 80-85 decibels can cause permanent hearing loss.
• Ways to lessen this risk include wearing ear protection while around noisy machinery, and also when listening to music at volumes that aren't too high

Unintentional Injuries

• Unintentional injuries are those that weren't intentionally caused.
• Leading causes include motor vehicle crashes, falls, and fires.
• Factors driving these injuries include distracted driving, speeding, aggressive driving, fatigue, use of alcohol and drugs, and lack of safety features.
• Safety features such as seatbelts, airbags, and child safety seats significantly lower injury risk and outcomes including death.

Intentional Injuries

• Intentional injuries are those planned and carried out deliberately
• Factors for intentional injuries often involve social and interpersonal factors and socioeconomic issues such as stress/poverty.

Home Injuries

• Home injuries include poisonings, falls, fires, choking, drownings, and shootings.
• Common causes for home injuries are related to dangerous conditions and behaviors such as cooking/smoking, unsafe use of equipment, improper use of medications or chemicals, or by unsafe environmental conditions and behavior towards others.

Leisure Injuries

• Leisure injuries include a wide array of activities and situations including those related to water, weather, and other sports (and recreational sports/activities).
• Safety measures for each activity type should be followed to lessen the potential for an injury

Violence and Intentional Injuries

• Violence is often linked to social, interpersonal, and environmental factors.
• Factors that contribute to violence include issues such as mass media portrayal of violence, gender of perpetrator and victims, influence of alcohol/drug use, school related violence, gang-related violence, and hate crimes.

Sexual Violence

• Sexual assault is any unwanted sexual contact.
• Forms of sexual violence can include date rape or acquaintance rape, statutory rape, or cyberstalking.
• Prevention strategies focus on education and creating healthy relationships.

Child Abuse

• Child abuse is any type of sexual contact between an adult and a child who isn't of the legal age of consent.

Sexual Harassment

• Sexual harassment includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other conduct of a sexual nature, if such conduct explicitly or implicitly affects a person's academic or employment opportunities.

Aging and End-of-Life Issues

• As population ages, there are significant changes related to health needs and support.
• Grief, planning for death, coping with imminent death and loss, end-of-life care, and similar issues are important considerations during later stages of life and include the consideration of medical treatments, social factors, and religious aspects of death and dying.
• Social support is important for those with chronic conditions and other issues surrounding later stages of life, and for those experiencing loss.

Test your knowledge on immune responses, vaccination technology, and environmental health issues. This quiz covers topics related to lymph nodes, air pollution, water purification, and waste management. Perfect for students studying health sciences and environmental studies.