Urinary System and Kidney Health

The bladder temporarily stores urine before release.

Stretching of the bladder triggers the urge to urinate.

Bacteria can enter the bladder from holding urine too long.

Too much liquid intake; better than underhydration.

Concentrated urine causes dissolved toxins to crystallize in the kidneys.

A diuretic increases urine production, causing more frequent urination.

Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) regulates water reabsorption in the kidneys, decreasing urine volume when released.

Alcohol inhibits ADH release, leading to increased urine production and potential dehydration, contributing to hangovers.

Our body's defense against foreign invaders like bacteria, viruses, parasites, and even mutated cells.

Cancer cells are mutated cells that grow uncontrollably. The immune system can identify and sometimes attack these cells.

Immune cells travel throughout the body via the circulatory system to reach specific locations and fight infections.

The immune system distinguishes between 'self' (healthy cells) and 'non-self' (invaders) to target only harmful threats.

Different types of immune cells have specialized locations for development and protection, providing targeted defense.

The soft, spongy tissue inside bones that produces all blood cells, including white blood cells (WBCs) of the immune system.

B cells, a type of WBC, mature and become fully functional in the bone marrow. This is where they learn to recognize and target specific pathogens.

A small gland located in the chest that is responsible for the maturation of T cells, another type of WBC, into functional immune cells.

T cells mature in the thymus and undergo a critical process called 'self-tolerance'. This ensures they can recognize and destroy foreign invaders while not attacking the body's own cells.

A condition where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own cells and tissues, resulting in damage and inflammation.

The body's first line of defense against pathogens. It's a fast-acting, non-specific system that provides immediate protection.

Specialized receptors on innate immune cells that recognize common patterns found on pathogens, triggering an immune response.

A slower but highly specific immune system that remembers past infections and mounts targeted attacks against specific pathogens.

A small piece of a pathogen, such as a protein, that the adaptive immune system recognizes and mounts an immune response against.

A type of white blood cell (WBC) found in the innate immune system. They contain granules filled with toxic substances and signaling molecules to fight infections.

Organs where immune cells are born and mature, like the bone marrow and thymus.

Areas where immune cells encounter and respond to pathogens, like the spleen, lymph nodes, tonsils, adenoids, and Peyer's patches.

The spleen filters blood, removing debris, dead cells, and old red blood cells.

Lymph nodes collect immune cells and are connected by lymph vessels, forming a network for immune cell transport.

The tonsils in the mouth and adenoids in the nose check food and air for pathogens.

Clusters of immune cells in the gut that monitor food for pathogens.

The body's natural, non-specific defense system against pathogens, present from birth.

Specific defense system that develops after exposure to pathogens, involving memory cells.

The most common type of white blood cell (WBC) in the blood. They are granulocytes, meaning they contain granules in their cytoplasm. Their primary function is phagocytosis, engulfing and destroying bacteria and other harmful microbes.

A process where a cell, like a neutrophil, engulfs and destroys foreign particles, such as bacteria, viruses, and cellular debris. This is a crucial mechanism of the immune system for fighting off infections.

A type of white blood cell (WBC) with granules that release chemicals to kill large parasites, which are too big for phagocytosis. They also play a role in allergic reactions.

A type of white blood cell (WBC) that releases histamine, a chemical that causes vasodilation (widening of blood vessels). This helps bring more immune cells to the infection site.

A chemical released by basophils that causes vasodilation (widening of blood vessels). This helps bring more immune cells to the site of infection or injury.

A severe allergic reaction triggered by a sudden release of histamine. It can cause widespread vasodilation, leading to a dangerous drop in blood pressure and difficulty breathing.

A hormone (also known as adrenaline) used to treat anaphylactic shock. It constricts blood vessels, raising blood pressure and improving breathing.

Pathogen-Associated Molecular Patterns (PAMPS) are unique molecules found on the surface of pathogens that are recognized by the innate immune system. They act like flags that signal the presence of an invading pathogen.

The adaptive immune system is a specific and slower-acting defense system that develops after exposure to pathogens. It remembers past infections and mounts targeted attacks against specific pathogens.