The immune system

• What is the main function of the immune system?

  To protect against pathogens
• What does the nonspecific defense system do?

  Stops pathogens from entering the body
• What happens when the skin is damaged?

  Pathogens can invade the body
• How do pathogens affect the body?

  They multiply and damage healthy tissue
• What are toxins?

  Chemicals released by bacteria
• What are the two main functions of the immune system?

  Destroys pathogens and protects against future infections
• What type of cells are involved in the immune system?

  White blood cells
• What is the first function of white blood cells?

  Ingest and destroy pathogens
• What does the term 'ingest' mean in the context of white blood cells?

  To take in pathogens
• What is the process called when white blood cells destroy pathogens?

  Phagocytosis
• How do antibodies function in the immune system?

  They stick to pathogens and trigger destruction
• What are antibodies?

  Protein molecules produced by white blood cells
• Why are antibodies considered specific?

  They protect against specific pathogens only
• How long can antibodies remain in the blood?

  For a long time
• What do antitoxins do?

  They prevent toxins from damaging cells
• What can certain types of bacteria release?

  Toxins
• How do white blood cells respond to toxins?

  By producing antitoxins
• What are the key functions of the immune system?

  • Destroys pathogens
  • Produces antibodies
  • Protects against future infections
  • Produces antitoxins to neutralize toxins
• How do white blood cells and antibodies work together in the immune response?

  • White blood cells ingest pathogens
  • White blood cells produce antibodies
  • Antibodies target specific pathogens
  • Antibodies trigger destruction of pathogens