Immunology Course Study Guide

The body's ability to resist or eliminate harmful foreign materials or abnormal cells.

The immune system is divided into two main branches: innate and adaptive. Both work together to defend the body.

The first line of defense against pathogens. It's a non-specific response that acts immediately upon encountering a threat.

A specific immune response that develops over time and targets specific threats.

Skin, mucous membranes, and normal flora form the first physical barrier against pathogens.

Body temperature, pH, and antimicrobial substances like lysozymes act to inhibit pathogens.

A system of proteins that helps to destroy pathogens by activating a 'cascade' of reactions.

Cells like phagocytes and granulocytes engulf and destroy pathogens.

Phagocytic cells that engulf and destroy microbes in tissues. They are also involved in antigen presentation, presenting pieces of the microbe to other immune cells.

A transmembrane protein found on various immune cells. They act as sensors for microbes, binding to specific microbial components and triggering an immune response.

They are a type of white blood cell that plays a crucial role in the innate immune system. NK cells kill virus or bacteria-infected cells (intracellular pathogens) and also kill cancer cells.

A type of white blood cell with a multi-lobed nucleus. They are the first responders to infection, engulfing and destroying microbes in the bloodstream.

They are immune proteins that have a variety of antimicrobial functions. They can directly destroy microbes or act as signaling molecules to activate other immune cells.

Specialized cells and processes that work together to detect and eliminate pathogens and other threats.

Physical barriers, like skin and mucous membranes, that prevent pathogens from entering the body.

The process of shedding the outer layer of skin, removing bacteria and other pathogens.

Specialized structures found in the respiratory system that use hair-like projections to sweep mucus and trapped particles upwards, preventing them from reaching the lungs.

A process that involves the recruitment of immune cells, blood vessels, and other factors to the site of infection, creating redness, swelling, and pain.

Proteins produced by the liver that circulate in the blood and help activate and enhance the immune response.

A set of chemical signals and processes that coordinate the immune response, including communication between cells and the production of antibodies and cytokines.

Specialized cells that kill infected cells and tumor cells without prior sensitization to specific antigens.

A process where certain types of white blood cells (WBCs), like neutrophils, engulf and destroy invading microbes or pathogens. This is a crucial mechanism of the innate immune system.

Special compartments within neutrophils that contain a variety of antimicrobial substances. These substances are released to fight off infection.

A group of microbes that naturally reside in various parts of the body without causing harm. They are actually beneficial, as they compete with pathogens for resources.

The body's natural defenses against infection, which are always active and ready to fight off invaders. It includes physical barriers like skin and mucosal membranes, as well as cellular components like white blood cells.

Microscopic organisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites capable of causing disease.

Small protein messengers produced by cells of the immune system to signal other cells and coordinate the immune response.

WBCs that mature into macrophages, which are large phagocytes that engulf and destroy pathogens, dead cells, and cellular debris.

The first exposure to an antigen triggers the immune system's initial response. This involves recognizing the antigen, generating antibodies, and creating memory lymphocytes for future encounters.

The subsequent exposure to the same antigen that triggers a much faster and stronger immune response due to the presence of memory lymphocytes from the primary response.

The period during which the immune system mounts its initial response to an antigen. This phase can be slower as the system learns to recognize the antigen and generate antibodies.

The period during which the immune system responds to a second exposure to an antigen. This phase is much shorter due to the presence of memory lymphocytes, allowing for a faster and stronger response.