Immune System Basics
What is the primary purpose of the immune system?
To defend the body from foreign invaders like pathogens.
What are leukocytes commonly known as?
White blood cells (WBC)
What is the Y-shaped protein that helps identify and neutralize pathogens?
An antibody.
What is the body’s protective response to injury or infection called?
Inflammation.
What type of lymphocyte produces antibodies?
B cells.
What does the immune system distinguish between?
Self and nonself.
What is the role of neutrophils?
Phagocytose of invading pathogens.
Which immunoglobulin is the most abundant in the body?
IgG.
What are two classic symptoms of acute inflammation?
Heat and redness.
What type of cells assist other immune cells and kill infected cells?
T cells.
What are the two main types of immunity?
Innate and Adaptive immunity.
What is the characteristic nucleus shape of monocytes?
Irregular, kidney-shaped nucleus.
Which antibody is the first responder during initial exposure?
IgM.
What process do neutrophils use to engulf pathogens?
Phagocytosis.
What is the unique trait of NK cells?
They act without prior activation.
What can happen when the immune system overreacts to outside causes or the host itself?
It can cause allergies or autoimmune diseases.
Which leukocytes are the largest and act as antigen-presenting cells?
Macrophages.
Which antibody is involved in allergic responses?
IgE.
What type of inflammation persists and can damage tissues over time?
Chronic inflammation.
Which T cells help regulate immune responses?
Regulatory T cells.
What are potential consequences of a dysfunctional immune system?
Increased susceptibility to infections or development of autoimmune diseases.
What condition is indicated by low neutrophil count?
Neutropenia.
What immunoglobulin is important at mucosal surfaces and found in breast milk?
IgA.
What chemicals do tissue-resident leukocytes release to attract more immune cells?
Cytokines and chemokines.
What do T cells need to see in order to get activated?
An antigen presented to them by another cell.