Immunology: Key Concepts

Phagocytosis

• Pathogens are engulfed and digested through this process.

Natural Killer (NK) Cells

• These lymphocytes target and destroy virus-infected cells.

Innate Immunity

• This immunity refers to non-specific defense mechanisms present from birth.

Inflammatory Process

• A response of the body to injury or infection.

Antimicrobial Peptides

• These are small proteins with the ability to kill bacteria and fungi.

B Cell Clonal Selection

• Activation occurs through the specific selection of B cells.

T Cell Clonal Selection

• Activation occurs through the specific selection of T cells.

Cellular Immunity

• This immune response involves T cells attacking pathogens directly.

Types of T Cells

• Helper, cytotoxic, and regulatory T cells are all included.

Humoral Immunity

• This immune response involves antibodies produced by B cells.

Plasma Cells

• These are B cells that produce antibodies specifically against antigens.

Memory Cells

• Long-lived B cells that provide future protection against infections.

Respiratory System Functions

• Oxygen is supplied, and carbon dioxide is removed.

Pulmonary Ventilation

• The movement of air into and out of the lungs.

External Respiration

• Gas exchange occurs between the lungs and the blood.

Transport of Gases

• The movement of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood.

Internal Respiration

• Gas exchange between the blood and body tissues.

Major Organs of the Respiratory Tract

• The nose, pharynx, larynx, trachea, and lungs are included.

Nasal Cavity Functions

• Incoming air is moistened, warmed, filtered, and cleaned.

Olfactory Receptors

• These sensory receptors are for the sense of smell.

Nasal Septum

• The nasal cavity is divided into two by this structure.

Respiratory Mucosa

• Mucus is produced in the nasal cavity by this mucous membrane.

Olfactory Mucosa

• Smell receptors are contained in it within the nasal cavity.

Nasal Conchae

• Surface area is increased in the nasal cavity by these protrusions.

Choanae

• The nasal cavity connects to the pharynx through these openings.

External Nares

• Air enters the nasal cavity through these nostrils.

Diaphragm

• Breathing is aided by this muscle.

Nasal Cavity

• Air processing occurs here, surrounded by paranasal sinuses.

Paranasal Sinuses

• The skull is lightened, air is warmed and moistened, and mucus is produced.

Pharyngeal Tonsil

• Airborne pathogens are trapped and destroyed in the nasopharynx.

Oropharynx

• This is a passageway for both air and food and contains tonsils.

Laryngopharynx

• This is a passageway for air and food that leads to the larynx.

Larynx

• The pharynx connects to the trachea, and sound is produced.

Hyoid Bone

• The larynx is supported, and there is a superior attachment point.

Epiglottis

• Aspiration is prevented by closing the airway during swallowing.

Thyroid Cartilage

• The largest cartilage in the larynx, forming the Adam's apple.

Cricoid Cartilage

• Ring-shaped cartilage below the thyroid supports the larynx.

Vocal Folds

• These are the true vocal cords that vibrate to produce sound.

Glottis

• Sound production involves this space between the vocal folds.

Pitch

• Vocal fold tension and length determine variations.

Loudness

• Air force over the vocal folds determines this.

Valsalva Maneuver

• Intra-abdominal pressure is increased through glottis closure.

Trachea

• The windpipe connects the larynx to the primary bronchi.

Ciliated Epithelium

• Mucus is propelled upward to the pharynx by the lining of the trachea.

C-Shaped Cartilage Rings

• Trachea is supported, and collapse is prevented during breathing.

Mediastinum

• The central compartment in the thoracic cavity is where the trachea is housed.

Primary Bronchi

• The trachea terminates here, leading to the lungs.

Ventricular Fold

• False vocal cords protect the true vocal cords.

True Vocal Cords

• Sound production occurs as these vocal folds vibrate.

Elastic Cartilage

• The epiglottis is composed of this for flexibility.

Airway Routing

• Food and air are directed into proper paths by the larynx.

Sound Production

• Air release and glottis manipulation are involved.

Pharynx

• Air and food pass through this muscular tube.

Respiratory Tract

• Air travels from the nasal cavity to the lungs through this pathway.

Bronchi

• Airways lead from the trachea to the lungs.

Trachea

• The windpipe connects the larynx to the bronchi.

Primary Bronchi

• These are the trachea's first branches into the lungs.

Secondary Bronchi

• Branches from the primary bronchi enter the lobes.

Tertiary Bronchi

• Branches from the secondary bronchi enter the segments.

Bronchioles

• Small airways branch from the tertiary bronchi.

Terminal Bronchioles

• These are the final branches of the conducting zone before the respiratory zone.

Respiratory Bronchioles

• The first structures of the respiratory zone contain alveoli.

Alveolar Ducts

• These ducts lead from the respiratory bronchioles to the alveolar sacs.

Alveolar Sacs

• Clusters of alveoli facilitate gas exchange.

Alveoli

• Gas exchange occurs in these tiny air sacs.

Conducting Zone

• Airways conduct air to the respiratory zone.

Respiratory Zone

• Gas exchange occurs at this site in the lungs.

Visceral Pleura

• This membrane covers the lungs' surface.

Pulmonary Capillaries

• Small blood vessels surround the alveoli.

Respiratory Membrane

• Gas exchange between alveoli and blood occurs through this barrier.

Type I Alveolar Cells

• Simple squamous cells form alveolar walls.

Type II Alveolar Cells

• Surfactant secretion reduces surface tension.

Surfactant

• Surface tension is reduced in these alveoli by this substance.

Ciliated Epithelium

• Cilia protect the respiratory tract with these cells.

Goblet Cells

• Mucus is secreted by cells in the respiratory epithelium.

Elastic Fibers

• Alveoli receive elasticity from these fibers.

Alveolar Pores

• Airflow between alveoli is permitted through these small openings.

Alveolar Macrophages

• These immune cells in the alveoli phagocytose foreign particles.

Cardiac Notch

• The heart is accommodated by the indentation in the left lung.

Larynx

• The voice box is located above the trachea.

Pharynx

• The throat region connects the nasal cavity to the larynx.

Nose

• An external structure for air intake and filtration.

Paranasal Sinuses

• Air-filled spaces surround the nasal cavity.

Nose

• The entry point for air; filters and humidifies.

Paranasal Sinuses

• These air-filled spaces lighten the skull and resonate voice.

Pharynx

• This muscular tube connects the nasal cavity to the larynx.

Larynx

• The voice box protects the airway during swallowing.

Trachea

• The windpipe conducts air to the bronchi.

Bronchi

• These branches from the trachea lead to the lungs.

Ciliated Epithelium

• Mucus and trapped particles are moved by these cells.

Goblet Cells

• Mucus is produced in cells within the respiratory epithelium.

Conducting Zone

• Structures transport air without gas exchange.

Respiratory Zone

• Structures facilitate gas exchange.

Respiratory Membrane

• Gas exchange in alveoli occurs through this thin barrier.

Alveoli

• Oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged in these tiny air sacs.

Pleural Cavity

• The space between the parietal and visceral pleura.

Left Lung

• The heart's position is accommodated by the smaller lung.

Right Lung

• This larger lung has three lobes.

Lung Root

• Lungs connect to the mediastinum via vessels.

Elastic Connective Tissue

• This main component of lung tissue provides elasticity.

Overview of key immunology concepts. Includes phagocytosis, natural killer cells, innate immunity, inflammatory process, antimicrobial peptides, B and T cell clonal selection, as well as cellular and humoral immunity.