Human disease

• What is the immune system?


  The immune system is a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that defends the body against pathogens.
• What are pathogens?

  Pathogens are harmful invaders that can cause disease, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.
• What are the key components of the immune system?


  • White blood cells (leukocytes)
  • Lymph nodes
  • Spleen
  • Bone marrow
  • Thymus
• What is the main job of the immune system?


  The main job of the immune system is to recognize and eliminate pathogens before they can cause harm.
• What is innate immunity?

  Innate immunity is the immunity you are born with, providing a quick, general defense against any invader.
• How does adaptive immunity differ from innate immunity?


  Adaptive immunity develops over time as the body learns to recognize specific invaders, while innate immunity is present from birth.
• What are the components of the first line of defense in the immune system?


  • Skin: Acts as a physical barrier
  • Mucous membranes: Trap pathogens
  • Tears, saliva, and sweat: Contain enzymes that kill bacteria
  • Stomach acid: Destroys pathogens
• What distinguishes adaptive immunity from innate immunity?


  • Adaptive immunity is specific to particular pathogens.
  • It develops over time and can remember past infections.
  • Innate immunity is non-specific and present from birth.
• How does the secondary immune response compare to the primary response?


  The secondary immune response is much faster and more powerful than the primary response.
• What happens to B and T cells after an infection?


  Some B and T cells become long-lived memory cells.
• How long can memory cells persist in the body?


  Memory cells can persist for years or even a lifetime.
• Why are vaccines effective in creating immunity?


  Vaccines create memory cells without causing the actual disease.
• What is the benefit of immunological memory when encountering a pathogen for the second time?

  It allows for a faster and stronger immune response.
• What is the role of T-lymphocytes in adaptive immunity?


  1. lymphocytes are involved in cell-mediated immunity.
• What are the two main components of adaptive immunity?


  Cell-mediated immunity and humoral immunity.
• What are the key features of adaptive immunity?


  • Specificity: Targets specific pathogens
  • Memory: Remembers pathogens for faster future responses
  • Adaptability: Can respond to new threats
• What is the role of B-lymphocytes in adaptive immunity?


  1. lymphocytes are involved in humoral immunity and produce antibodies.
• How does the specificity of adaptive immunity differ from innate immunity?


  Adaptive immunity targets specific pathogens, while innate immunity is non-specific.
• What is the significance of memory cells in the immune response?


  Memory cells allow for a faster and stronger response to previously encountered pathogens.
• Does fever directly kill pathogens?


  No, fever doesn't typically kill pathogens directly.
• How does fever assist the immune system in responding to pathogens?


  Fever gives the immune system more time to mount an effective response.
• Why is it significant that many pathogens grow optimally at normal body temperature?


  Because the increased temperature from fever makes it harder for these pathogens to multiply.
• What effect does fever have on body temperature?


  Fever raises the body temperature.
• What conditions does fever create for pathogens?


  Fever creates conditions that make it harder for pathogens to thrive.
• What is the second line of defense in the immune system?

  • Non-specific immune response activated if pathogens breach the first line
  • Key components include:
  • Inflammation
  • Fever
  • Phagocytes
  • Natural Killer cells
  • Complement system
• What is inflammation in the context of the immune system?


  Inflammation is a process that helps isolate and destroy pathogens.
• How does fever contribute to the immune response?

  Fever raises body temperature, which can slow down pathogen growth.
• What are phagocytes?


  Phagocytes are white blood cells that engulf and destroy pathogens.
• What do Natural Killer cells do in the immune system?


  Natural Killer cells attack virus-infected cells and some cancer cells.
• What is the complement system in the immune response?


  The complement system consists of proteins that enhance the killing of pathogens.
• How does the first line of defense differ from the second line of defense?


  The first line of defense consists of physical and chemical barriers, while the second line involves a non-specific immune response to pathogens that breach the first line.
• What is the primary purpose of fever in the immune response?


  The primary purpose of fever is to slow down pathogen growth by raising body temperature.
• What is a correct statement about fever as part of the immune response?


  Fever raises body temperature, which slows pathogen growth and creates an environment less hospitable for them.
• What is the function of skin in the immune system?


  Skin acts as a physical barrier to prevent pathogens from entering the body.
• What role do mucous membranes play in the immune system?


  Mucous membranes line body openings and trap pathogens to prevent them from entering the body.
• How do tears, saliva, and sweat contribute to the immune system?

  They contain enzymes that can kill some bacteria, helping to prevent infection.
• What is the role of stomach acid in the immune system?


  Stomach acid destroys many pathogens that enter through the mouth.
• What are non-communicable diseases (NCDs)?


  Medical conditions that are not infectious or transmissible from one person to another
• Why are non-communicable diseases often considered chronic?


  Because they progress slowly and tend to be long-term conditions
• What is a leading cause of death globally?


  Non-communicable diseases (NCDs)