Innate Immunity Defense Barriers

The study of how the host (our body) defends itself against foreign substances.

A foreign substance that triggers an immune response. It can be a microbe, a toxin, or even parts of a foreign cell.

The state of being protected from a particular disease.

The body's natural, non-specific defenses against infection. It's present from birth and acts immediately.

The body's specific, adaptive defenses against infection. It develops over time and remembers past encounters.

The first line of defense against infection. Acts as a physical barrier to prevent pathogens from entering the body.

The second line of defense against infection. Involves various cells and mechanisms that quickly identify and destroy pathogens.

The third line of defense against infection. It's highly specific and involves B and T lymphocytes that target and destroy pathogens.

The process by which certain cells in the immune system engulf and destroy pathogens. Think of a Pac-Man eating invaders.

Chemical messengers that help coordinate the immune response. They attract immune cells to the site of infection and activate other immune cells.

A type of cell that is present in innate immunity. These cells kill virus-infected cells and some tumor cells.

A type of cell that is present in innate immunity. These cells capture pathogens and present them to T cells to trigger the adaptive immune response.

A type of cell that is present in adaptive immunity. They are responsible for producing antibodies.

A type of cell that is present in adaptive immunity. They directly kill infected cells and help activate other immune cells.

A type of cell that is present in adaptive immunity. They are responsible for presenting antigens to T cells to initiate the adaptive immune response.

Proteins produced by B cells that bind to antigens and help neutralize them. Think of the immune system's missiles.

The ability of the immune system to remember a prior exposure to an antigen and mount a faster and stronger response upon subsequent encounters.

The ability of the adaptive immune response to be highly specific to a particular antigen. Think of a lock and key.

The ability of the adaptive immune response to be effective throughout the entire body, not just at the site of infection.

Lactic acid inhibits growth of many microbes. Think of the sour environment of yogurt.

Cilia in the respiratory tract help move pathogens out of the body by sweeping them up and out. Think of tiny hairs working together.

Stomach acid is very acidic, preventing many microbes from growing and surviving. Think of the acidic environment of vinegar.

Urine serves to flush out pathogens from the urinary tract. Think of a flush.

Lysozyme is an enzyme that attacks the cell walls of bacteria, breaking them down. Think of a weapon that disarms the enemy.

Normal flora are beneficial bacteria that compete with harmful pathogens for space and resources. It's like a natural defense force.