Understanding the Immune System and Its Components
Natasha L
What is the primary function of the immune system?
Protects the body against infection and pathogens.
What are leukocytes?
Immune cells that originate in bone marrow from haemopoietic stem cells.
What are the two lineages derived from haemopoietic stem cells?
Myeloid lineage and lymphoid lineage.
Name three types of cells in the lymphoid lineage.
B lymphocytes, T lymphocytes, Natural Killer cells.
What is the first line of defense against pathogens?
Innate immune system.
How does the innate immune system respond to pathogens?
Rapid response and less specific than the adaptive immune system.
What are physical barriers in the innate immune system?
Epithelial barriers such as skin, lung, and GI tract.
What is the complement system?
A combination of proteins that leads to the lysis of microbes when activated.
What are phagocytes?
Cells that recognize and ingest pathogens.
Which immune cells are the most abundant and respond rapidly to bacteria?
Neutrophils.
What role do macrophages play in the immune response?
They secrete cytokines, produce an inflammatory response, and present antigens.
What do mast cells contain that promotes allergic reactions?
Histamine.
What is the function of eosinophils?
Fight infections, parasites, and helminths; secrete inflammatory cytokines.
What do natural killer cells recognize and kill?
Infected, damaged, and stressed cells.
What are pattern recognition receptors (PRRs)?
Receptors on innate immune cells that recognize pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs).
What are pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs)?
Molecules found on pathogens recognized by PRRs on innate immune cells.
Name a key family of pattern recognition receptors.
Toll-like receptors (TLRs).
What is the role of B cells in the adaptive immune system?
They develop and mature in bone marrow and release antibodies to attack invaders outside of the cell.
Where do T cells mature?
Thymus.
What type of immunity is mediated by plasma cells and antibodies?
Humoral immunity.
Which immunoglobulin is the most common and abundant in defense against bacteria and viruses?
IgG.
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Description
Explore the complex network of the immune system, including its cells, responses, and the roles of innate and adaptive immunity in defending against pathogens and aiding tissue repair. Learn about leukocytes, phagocytes, and their functions.
Questions
Download Questions1. What is the primary role of the immune system?
2. Which of the following cells are part of the lymphoid lineage?
3. What is the function of neutrophils in the immune system?
4. Which type of immune response is characterized by its high specificity and development of immunological memory?
5. What do Pattern Recognition Receptors (PRRs) on innate immune cells recognize?
Study Notes
Overview of the Immune System
The immune system is a sophisticated network designed to protect the body from infections and diseases. It comprises various cells, organs, and proteins that work collaboratively to identify and eliminate pathogens while facilitating tissue repair.
Main Topic 1: Immune Cell Types
- Leukocytes: Originating from bone marrow, leukocytes are categorized into two main lineages: myeloid (innate immunity) and lymphoid (adaptive immunity).
- Myeloid Cells: This lineage includes neutrophils, macrophages, dendritic cells, mast cells, eosinophils, and basophils. They are primarily responsible for immediate defense against pathogens.
- Lymphoid Cells: Comprising B lymphocytes, T lymphocytes, natural killer cells, and innate lymphoid cells (ILCs), these cells play critical roles in adaptive immunity.
Main Topic 2: Immune Response Mechanisms
- Innate Immune System: Acts as the first line of defense with rapid responses but lacks specificity. It includes physical barriers like skin and mucosal membranes as well as chemical barriers such as enzymes in bodily fluids.
- Adaptive Immune System: Characterized by specificity and memory formation. B cells produce antibodies while T cells target infected or cancerous cells.
Key Takeaways
- The immune system comprises both innate and adaptive components that work together to provide comprehensive protection against pathogens.
- Myeloid lineage plays a crucial role in immediate responses through diverse cell types like phagocytes that engulf pathogens.
- The adaptive immune response develops immunological memory for faster reactions upon re-exposure to specific pathogens.
This summary encapsulates fundamental aspects of the immune system's structure and function while emphasizing the interplay between different cell types in maintaining health through effective pathogen defense mechanisms.
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