Immune system

• What is a pathogen?

  Tiny organisms that cause disease
• What is immunity?

  The ability to resist infection and disease
• What are the two immune systems we have?

  Innate and Adaptive Immunity
• What are the body’s physical barriers to infection?

  • Skin
  • Mucous Membrane
  • Cilia in the respiratory tract
  • Waxy ears
  • Eyes (reflexes and tears)
  • One way flow of urine
• What is the role of hydrochloric acid in the immune system?

  Kills the majority of ingested microbes
• What are lysozymes?

  Small proteins with antibacterial properties
• How do antibodies function in the immune system?

  They inactivate some microbes in secretions
• What is the function of saliva in immunity?

  Washes away food debris and inhibits microbes
• What do interferons do?

  Prevent viral replication and spread
• What are the cells involved in the innate immune system?

  • Phagocytes
  • Macrophages
  • Neutrophils
  • Monocytes
  • Mast Cells
  • Eosinophils
  • Basophils
  • Natural Killer Cells
  • Dendritic cells
• What do phagocytes do?

  Engulf foreign particles and pathogens
• How do macrophages respond to pathogens?

  They eat pathogens through phagocytosis
• What is the role of neutrophils in the immune response?

  Release histamines and fight bacteria
• What are monocytes capable of becoming?

  Macrophages or dendritic cells
• What do mast cells release during an injury?

  Cytokines and histamine for inflammation
• What is the function of eosinophils?

  Fight against parasites and bacteria
• What do basophils release during allergic reactions?

  Histamine that causes inflammation
• What is the role of natural killer cells?

  Trigger apoptosis in infected cells
• What are dendritic cells also known as?

  Antigen-presenting cells
• What is the purpose of the inflammatory response?

  Protect, isolate, and remove threats
• What can cause inflammation?

  Pathogens, physical factors, and chemical agents
• What happens to blood vessels during inflammation?

  They dilate, increasing blood flow
• What does increased blood flow during inflammation cause?

  Increased temperature, redness, and swelling
• What are the important components of inflammation?

  • Chemotaxis: Attraction of leukocytes to inflammation
  • Increased body temperature: Resetting of thermostat by interleukin 1
  • Pain: Caused by swelling and chemical mediators
  • Suppuration: Formation of pus from dead cells and microbes
• What are the benefits of a fever?

  Inhibits bacteria, accelerates tissue repair
• What are the risks associated with fever?

  Dehydration, headaches, and confusion
• What is considered a high temperature in children?

  38 degrees Celsius and above
• Why are children at risk during fever?

  They have an immature thermoregulation system
• What do T cells do in the immune response?

  Remove pathogens and activate B cells
• What do T-helper cells stimulate?

  B cells to multiply and differentiate
• What do T-killer cells do?

  Trigger apoptosis in infected cells
• What are autoimmune diseases?

  Immune system attacks healthy cells
• What is the role of vaccinations in healthcare?

  • Obtain vaccination history from patients
  • Understand how vaccines work
  • Administer vaccines like flu, Covid, MMR
• What is sepsis?

  Life-threatening organ dysfunction due to infection
• What characterizes sepsis?

  Body's response injures its own tissues
• What is the definition of sepsis according to Sepsis Trust UK?

  Life-threatening condition from infection response
• What should you do if you have questions about the immune system?

  Ask questions for clarification