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Complement System, Cytokines, and Inflammation in Anatomy & Physiology

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Terms in this set (29)

  • What is the complement system?
    A group of plasma proteins that enhance immune responses by promoting inflammation, opsonization, and cell lysis.
  • Which organ synthesizes complement proteins?
    The liver synthesizes complement proteins.
  • What are the three pathways of complement system activation?
    The classical, lectin, and alternative pathways.
  • Which activated complement protein is crucial for immune response?
    C3b is crucial as it acts as an opsonin and triggers further immune actions.
  • What is cell lysis in the complement system?
    The destruction of a target cell by forming pores in its membrane via the Membrane Attack Complex.
  • What is the Membrane Attack Complex (MAC)?
    A structure formed by complement proteins that creates pores in pathogen membranes, causing cell lysis.
  • What is the result of neutralizing a virus?
    The virus is prevented from infecting host cells, stopping its replication.
  • Which cells are triggered to enhance inflammation by complement proteins?
    Mast cells and basophils are triggered to release histamine and other mediators.
  • Which complement protein acts as an opsonin?
    C3b acts as an opsonin, marking pathogens for phagocytosis.
  • What is opsonization?
    The process of marking pathogens with molecules like C3b to enhance phagocytosis.
  • What are immune complexes?
    Clusters formed when antibodies bind to antigens, which can be cleared by the immune system.
  • What are cytokines?
    Small proteins secreted by cells that regulate immunity, inflammation, and hematopoiesis.
  • What is the function of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)?
    TNF promotes inflammation and can induce apoptosis in infected or cancerous cells.
  • Which cells secrete tumor necrosis factor (TNF)?
    Macrophages and T cells primarily secrete TNF.
  • What is septic shock?
    A life-threatening condition caused by excessive cytokine release leading to widespread inflammation and organ failure.
  • Which cytokine is responsible for septic shock?
    Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is a key cytokine involved in septic shock.
  • What are interferons (IFN)?
    Cytokines that interfere with viral replication and activate immune cells.
  • What are interleukins (IL)?
    A group of cytokines that mediate communication between leukocytes during immune responses.
  • Which cytokines can be used to treat hepatitis B and C?
    Interferons (IFNs) are used therapeutically to treat hepatitis B and C infections.
  • What are the two basic stages of the inflammatory response?
    The vascular stage (vasodilation and increased permeability) and the cellular stage (phagocyte migration and activation).
  • What are the cardinal signs of inflammation?
    Redness, heat, swelling, pain, and loss of function.
  • Which proteins/chemical mediators cause vasodilation in inflammation?
    Histamine, prostaglandins, and bradykinin cause vasodilation.
  • What is hyperemia?
    Increased blood flow to tissues, causing redness and heat during inflammation.
  • What is chemotaxis?
    The movement of immune cells toward the site of infection or injury in response to chemical signals.
  • What makes up the pus seen in zits?
    Dead neutrophils, bacteria, and tissue debris.
  • What does purulent mean?
    Containing or producing pus.
  • What is a cytokine storm?
    An excessive and uncontrolled release of cytokines causing severe inflammation and tissue damage.
  • What is a fever?
    An elevated body temperature set by the hypothalamus in response to pyrogens.
  • What chemicals cause a fever to occur?
    Pyrogens such as interleukin-1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) trigger fever.