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Microbiology: Immunity and Host Defense Mechanisms

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Termini in questo insieme (24)

  • What is opsonization?

    Opsonization is the process where pathogens are marked for phagocytosis by coating them with molecules called opsonins.

  • Define opsonin.

    An opsonin is a molecule that binds to pathogens and enhances their recognition and ingestion by phagocytes.

  • What is an antigen?

    An antigen is any substance that can trigger an immune response by being recognized as foreign by the immune system.

  • Define cytokine.

    Cytokines are signaling proteins released by cells that regulate immunity, inflammation, and hematopoiesis.

  • What is an epitope?

    An epitope is the specific part of an antigen recognized and bound by an antibody or a receptor on immune cells.

  • Define interferon.

    Interferons are cytokines that interfere with viral replication and activate immune cells.

  • What is margination in inflammation?

    Margination is the process where white blood cells adhere to the blood vessel walls near the site of injury or infection.

  • Define diapedesis.

    Diapedesis is the movement of white blood cells through the blood vessel walls into surrounding tissues during inflammation.

  • What is a pyrogen?

    A pyrogen is a substance that induces fever by acting on the hypothalamus to raise body temperature.

  • Compare innate and adaptive immunity.

    Innate immunity is the immediate, nonspecific defense, while adaptive immunity is slower but specific and has memory.

  • Give examples of mechanical, chemical, and physical barriers in immunity.

    Mechanical: skin, mucous membranes; Chemical: stomach acid, enzymes; Physical: cilia in respiratory tract.

  • Differentiate serum and plasma.

    Plasma is the liquid part of blood with clotting factors; serum is plasma without clotting factors.

  • What is lymph and how is it collected and filtered?

    Lymph is fluid collected from tissues, filtered through lymph nodes to remove pathogens and debris before returning to blood.

  • Name the primary and secondary lymphoid tissues.

    Primary: bone marrow, thymus; Secondary: lymph nodes, spleen, tonsils.

  • List the 3 immune cells that are phagocytes.

    Neutrophils, macrophages, and dendritic cells are the main phagocytic immune cells.

  • Describe phagocytosis and its role in innate immunity.

    Phagocytosis is the engulfing and digestion of pathogens by phagocytes, a key innate defense mechanism.

  • How do phagocytes recognize pathogens?

    Phagocytes recognize pathogens via pattern recognition receptors and opsonin receptors.

  • Describe types of cytokines and their functions.

    Types include interleukins (cell communication), interferons (antiviral), and tumor necrosis factors (inflammation).

  • What is the complement system and its 3 functions?

    The complement system enhances immunity by opsonization, inflammation promotion, and pathogen lysis.

  • List the primary goals and stages of inflammation.

    Goals: eliminate cause, clear debris, repair tissue. Stages: vasodilation, phagocyte migration, tissue repair.

  • State the cardinal signs of inflammation and their causes.

    Redness, heat, swelling, pain, and loss of function caused by increased blood flow and immune activity.

  • Describe benefits and drawbacks of fever.

    Benefits: inhibits microbes, enhances immunity; Drawbacks: discomfort, risk if too high.

  • Which microbes does normal body temperature protect against?

    Body temperature (~37°C) protects mainly against temperature-sensitive microbes like many bacteria and viruses.

  • Why does an immune response cause tiredness?

    Immune response releases cytokines that affect the brain, causing fatigue to conserve energy for healing.