Fighting disease-Immune system

• What is the primary function of white blood cells in the immune system?


  To engulf pathogens
• What is the process of phagocytosis?


  It involves engulfing pathogens and destroying them
• What are the steps involved in phagocytosis?


  Track pathogen, bind to it, engulf, and destroy
• What role do antitoxins play in the immune response?


  They bind and counteract toxins made by pathogens
• What are antigens?


  Substances that the immune system detects as foreign
• What are antibodies?


  Small proteins made by white blood cells that lock onto foreign antigens
• How do antibodies function in the immune response?


  They act as signals to tell white blood cells to destroy foreign antigens
• Are antibodies specific or non-specific for antigens?


  Specific for a particular antigen
• What happens when antibodies encounter a pathogen?


  They attack all copies of the pathogen in the body
• What features does the human body have to fight disease?


  The human body has features that stop many pathogens from entering.
• How does the skin contribute to the body's defense against pathogens?


  The skin acts as a barrier and secretes antibacterial substances that kill pathogens.
• What role do hairs and mucus in the nose play in fighting disease?


  They trap particles that could contain pathogens.
• What is the function of mucus secreted by the trachea and bronchi?


  Mucus traps pathogens that enter the respiratory system.
• What are cilia and what is their role in the respiratory system?


  Cilia are hair-like structures that waft mucus up to the back of the throat.
• What does the stomach produce to kill pathogens?

  The stomach produces hydrochloric acid.
• What happens when pathogens enter the body?


  The immune system activates to destroy the pathogens.
• What is the most important part of the immune system?


  The most important part is the white blood cells.
• How do white blood cells patrol the body?


  They travel in the blood and crawl into every part of the body.
• What is phagocytosis?


  Phagocytosis is the process where white blood cells engulf and digest foreign cells.
• What are antigens?


  Antigens are unique molecules on the surface of invading pathogens.
• What do white blood cells do when they encounter a foreign antigen?


  They produce antibodies specific to that antigen.
• How do antibodies function in the immune response?


  Antibodies lock onto invading cells to help other white blood cells find and destroy them.
• What happens if a person is infected with the same pathogen again?


  The white blood cells rapidly produce antibodies to kill it, providing natural immunity.
• What is the role of antitoxins produced by white blood cells?


  Antitoxins counteract toxins produced by invading bacteria.
• How does a low level of white blood cells affect a person's health?


  A low level of white blood cells makes a person more susceptible to infections.
• What effect does HIV have on the immune system?


  HIV attacks white blood cells and weakens the immune system.
• What are the three lines of attack that white blood cells use against pathogens?


  1. Consuming them through phagocytosis.
  2. Producing antibodies specific to the pathogen.
  3. Producing antitoxins to counteract toxins from bacteria.
• How do the trachea and bronchi defend against pathogens?


  • Secrete mucus to trap pathogens.
  • Lined with cilia to waft mucus to the throat.