Immunity Basics and Types

The body's natural defense against pathogens. It's like a general, non-specific army, acting quickly to fight off any invaders.

A type of immunity specifically targeting particular pathogens. It's like a trained army, remembering enemies and fighting them effectively.

Antibodies from the mother transferred to the baby during pregnancy. It's like a temporary protection until the baby can build its own immunity.

Antibodies passed from mother to baby through breastfeeding. This provides early protection to the infant's gut.

The ability of the body to distinguish between 'self' (its own cells) and 'non-self' (foreign invaders).

The body's reaction to a foreign substance, like an invader, often causing redness, swelling, and pain.

The lack of an immune response to 'self' substances. It prevents the immune system from attacking its own body cells.

A state of health achieved when the immune system effectively eliminates foreign substances while sparing 'self' cells.

Tough, water-resistant protein in the skin. It makes the skin dry, creating an unfriendly environment for most microorganisms.

A chemical in tears and other body fluids that breaks down the cell walls of certain bacteria.

A defense mechanism involving physical barriers like skin and mucus membranes, which block pathogens from entering the body.

A chemical secreted by the stomach that breaks down food and kills most harmful bacteria.

A substance produced by the liver that aids in digestion and helps eliminate bacteria in the gut.

The movement of tiny hair-like projections that move mucus containing trapped microorganisms towards the mouth.

A sticky substance that traps microorganisms and helps prevent infections. Found in the nose, throat, and other areas.

A family of proteins in the blood that act as a general defense against infections, recognizing and targeting invaders without specificity.

Small proteins produced by cells in response to viral infection. Interferons signal nearby cells to produce antiviral molecules, preventing further viral spread.

Cells that engulf and destroy foreign particles and pathogens, acting as the first line of defense in the alveoli.

White blood cells that readily migrate to sites of infection and engulf microbes, playing a crucial role in early immune response.

Large lymphocytes that specifically target and eliminate abnormal or infected cells, including tumor cells and virus-infected cells.

The community of microorganisms that normally reside in the human body, generally harmless and beneficial. They help prevent the growth of pathogens by competing for resources and space.

The body's complex, multi-stage response to injury or infection, characterized by redness, swelling, heat, and pain.

The release of chemical factors like histamine from damaged cells, triggering vasodilation and increased capillary permeability, allowing immune cells to reach the site of injury.

The varied susceptibility of individuals within the same race and species towards infections. For example, children are more prone to viral fever than adults.

Differences in susceptibility to infections based on race or ethnicity, despite being in the same species. For example, people with sickle cell anemia are more resistant to malaria.

Differences in susceptibility to infections across species. For example, humans are not affected by chicken cholera, but animals are resistant to human diseases like measles.

The body's initial line of defense against pathogens, involving physical and chemical barriers. It's like a wall or barrier preventing invaders from entering.

A powerful defense mechanism activated when pathogens bypass the initial barriers. It involves complement reactions and phagocytosis, helping to clear out invaders. It's like a coordinated attack team.

The ability of innate immunity to activate the adaptive immune system. It does this by releasing signaling molecules (cytokines) and presenting antigens to the adaptive system. It's like a messenger calling for reinforcements.

The high acidity of gastric juices, which prevents the entry of pathogens by killing them. It's like an acidic bath that destroys harmful invaders.