Immunology revision notes medium

The primary immune organ responsible for the development and maturation of B lymphocytes (B cells), a type of white blood cell crucial for antibody production.

The primary immune organ where T lymphocytes (T cells) mature and learn to distinguish between self and non-self antigens, ensuring a proper immune response.

A secondary immune organ that filters blood, stores platelets and white blood cells, and removes old red blood cells, playing a critical role in the immune system.

Secondary immune organs located in the throat that trap pathogens entering through the nose and mouth, initiating an immediate immune response.

Small, bean-shaped secondary organs located throughout the body, filtering lymph fluid and trapping pathogens to trigger antibody production by immune cells.

A type of innate immunity that provides the first line of defense against pathogens, acting immediately or within hours of encountering an invader. It is non-specific, meaning it doesn't target specific pathogens, and lacks immunological memory.

A type of immunity that develops over time, days or weeks, and is highly specific to the invading pathogen. It involves B and T lymphocytes and the production of antibodies, providing long-term protection through immunological memory.

A protective barrier that lines the internal surfaces of the body, including the nose, throat, bladder, and genitals. It contains immune cells that can help to defend against pathogens.

White blood cells that play a key role in the immune response by engulfing and destroying pathogens.

Specialized cells that release histamine and heparin in response to allergens or tissue damage.

Granulocytes that are similar to mast cells but are found mainly in the blood.

A type of white blood cell that's a granular leukocyte involved in the immune response.

A type of granulocyte also known as neutrophils that are the most abundant white blood cells.

Cells that present processed antigen fragments on their MHC molecules to T cells, triggering an immune response.

A type of lymphocyte that plays a crucial role in coordinating the immune response.

A type of lymphocyte that can directly kill infected cells or tumor cells.

Special proteins produced by activated B cells. They recognize and bind to antigens to attack/weaken and mark them for destruction. The body can create new antibodies in response to pathogens or vaccines. Each antibody has a different role in fighting infection.

The first antibody produced during an initial infection. It is large and short-lived.

The most common antibody found in blood and tissue fluids, protecting the body from viral and bacterial infections.

Found mainly in skin, lungs, and mucous membranes. It binds to mast cells and basophils, causing the release of anti-histamine in the bloodstream. High levels are found in people with allergies.

Found on the surface of B cells. It supports B cell maturation and activation. It plays a role in the development of the immune system.

Found in the linings of the respiratory and digestive systems, saliva, tears, and breast milk. It plays a role in protecting mucous membranes from infections.

A type of adaptive immunity that involves the production of antibodies by B cells. It starts when B cells recognize and bind to specific antigens.

Antigen-presenting cells (APCs) display antigens (parts of foreign invaders) on their surface. This activates specific T cells, which then trigger the immune response.

A disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues.

Factors that can trigger or contribute to an autoimmune response, making the body attack itself.

The part of the immune system that is responsible for recognizing and attacking foreign invaders like bacteria and viruses.

A substance that can trigger an immune response, making the body produce antibodies to fight it off.

Proteins produced by the immune system to target and neutralize specific antigens.

A severe autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the body's own connective tissues.

A chronic autoimmune disease that mainly affects the salivary and tear glands, leading to dryness.

A rare autoimmune disease characterized by blisters in the mouth and skin.

These immune cells engulf and destroy foreign invaders like bacteria and viruses.

A type of phagocytic cell that is the most abundant white blood cell in the body.

A type of phagocytic cell that plays a crucial role in the immune response to parasites and allergic reactions.

A type of white blood cell that is responsible for recognizing and destroying infected cells.

A type of white blood cell that plays a crucial role in adaptive immunity.

A type of lymphocyte that produces antibodies.

A type of lymphocyte that helps activate other immune cells.

A type of lymphocyte that directly attacks infected cells.

A type of lymphocyte that helps regulate the immune response.

A type of lymphocyte that remembers a specific pathogen and can quickly respond to it again.

A process by which cells are programmed to self-destruct, often triggered by immune cells.

An immune response triggered when the body is exposed to an allergen. It involves IgE antibodies binding to mast cells and basophils, leading to the release of histamine and other inflammatory mediators. This can cause localized reactions like hay fever or asthma, or systemic reactions like anaphylaxis.

An immune response involving IgG or IgM antibodies binding to antigens on the surface of cells, leading to cell lysis or destruction by complement or killer cells. This can cause hemolytic reactions, drug reactions, and autoimmune anemia.

An immune response caused by immune complexes (antigen-antibody complexes) forming in the circulation and activating complement, leading to inflammation and tissue damage. Examples include serum sickness, rheumatoid arthritis, and systemic lupus erythematosus.

A delayed hypersensitivity reaction triggered by the stimulation of T cells and macrophages, leading to the release of cytokines and tissue damage. This can cause contact dermatitis, eczema, and allergic reactions to metals.

A weakened or compromised immune system that makes a person more susceptible to infections and diseases.

Individuals with conditions that make them more vulnerable to infections and require additional precautions, such as careful hygiene, frequent handwashing, and potentially antiviral or antibiotic medications.

An inflammatory skin reaction caused by contact with a substance that triggers an allergic response. Common allergens include latex, chlorhexidine, benzocaine, sodium metabisulphite, and dentine bonding agents.