5 Questions
Which term refers to the study of the immune system?
Immunology
What is the first line of defense in the innate immune system?
Skin and mucus membrane
What type of cells destroy virally infected own body cells or cancerous cells?
Natural Killer Cells (NK Cells)
Which protein is present in tear, saliva, and mucus secretion, and kills bacteria?
Lysozyme
What are the types of defense mechanisms in the innate immune system?
Physical and Chemical
Study Notes
- Immunity refers to the body's ability to resist microorganisms, toxins, and foreign cells
- Immunology is the scientific study of the immune system, which is made up of protective cells and proteins
- The immune system is a complex network that defends the body against foreign invaders, consisting of:
- Innate Immune System: natural, non-specific, first line of defense using physical and chemical barriers
- Adaptive Immune System: specific response to foreign substances, second line of defense using specialized cells and proteins
- Innate Immune System:
- First line of defense: skin and mucus membranes, secretions (lysozyme), and physical (lysozymes, gastric juice)
- Second line of defense: phagocytes, antimicrobial proteins, complement proteins, interferons, and inflammation
- Phagocytes: different types of white blood cells, such as neutrophils and monocytes, that ingest bacteria
- Neutrophils: short-lived, infect bacteria, and die after a few days
- Monocytes: long-lived, large eaters, antigen presenting cells
- Adaptive Immune System:
- Natural Killer Cells (NK Cells): destroy virally infected cells or cancerous cells through a process called cytotoxicity
- Antimicrobial Proteins: lysozymes, complement proteins, interferons
- Lysozyme: present in tears, saliva, and mucus secretions, kills bacteria
- Complement Proteins: a group of blood proteins that enhance the immune response by aiding in pathogen destruction and promoting inflammation.
Learn about the basics of the immune system, including immunity and immunology, and how it defends the body against diseases and foreign invaders.
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