Organs of the immune system - - bone marrow
- thymus
- spleen
- lymph nodes, tonsils, peyer patches
Bone marrow function in immune system - Responsible for production of immune cells
and the maturation of B cells
Thymus function in immune system - Provides site for t-cell differentiation, maturation
and selection (shrinks as we grow)
Spleen function in immune system - contains blood filled sinuses that filter antigens and
cells from the blood
- red pulp (red blood cell storage and turnover)
- white pulp (where immune cell interaction occurs)
- those w/o spleen at increased risk for infection
Lymph nodes function in immune system - antigens interaction with immune cells
5 types of immunity - 1. Natural (Innate resistance)
2. Active Acquired
3. Passive Acquired
4. Humoral
5. Cell-mediated
Normal function of T-lymphocyte - - develop into several subsets that identify and kill
target cell (t-cytoxic)
- regulate immune response by helping clonal selection process (t-helper)
- Suppress/limit immune response (t-regulatory)
Normal function of B-lymphocyte - develop into plasma cells that produce antibody
Natural Immunity AKA innate resistance immunity -
Active Acquired Immunity - Produced by host after exposure to an antigen (basis of
vaccinations)
Passive Acquired Immunity - acquired via the transfer of antibodies or T-cells to
recipient (mother to fetus, rabies)
, Humoral Immunity - conferred by B-cells; provides immunity against some viral
infections, toxin induced diseases and diseases caused by
pneumococci/meningicocci/hemophilus
Cell-mediated Immunity - conferred by T-cells; active against cells infected with IC
bacteria or virues; responsible for organ transplantation rejection
Antigen (def) - describes a molecule that can reach with binding sites on antibodies or
antigen receptors on B&T cells
Self-antigen (def) - part of individual's makeup that fulfills all criteria EXCEPT
foreignness and does not normally elicit immune response
Allergen (def) - Antigen that induces allergic response
IgA function - Main immune globulin in secretions and mucous membranes; prevents
attachment of microorganisms to mucous membranes
IgM function - Main immune globulin produced EARLY in primary immune response
(high level indicates recent infection)
IgG function - Most prominent; binds with viruses, bacteria and toxins; activates
complement and binds to macrophages; primary antibody in secondary immune
response; levels increase in response to repeated exposure to antigen; only one that
crosses placenta
IgE function - Binds to mast cells, eosinophils, basophils; involved in parasitic infection
and hypersensitivity reactions
T-cytoxic cells (CD8) AKA Killer T's - Kill virus infected cells, tumor cells and transplant
tissue directly through the release of cytotoxic chemicals which destroy the cell
membrane or induce apoptosis
NK Killer cells - Similar to tc cells, kill abnormal cells that have suppressed MHC Class I
expression; lacks CD8
T-Regulatory cells - Slow or stop the immune response once the invader is defeated.
T-Helper cells (CD4) - Activate macrophages, B-cells, cytoxic T-cells, and other CD4
cells; TH1 and TH2 release lymphokines that begin inflammatory process and mediate
delayed hypersensitivity reactions (TB test)
B-lymphocytes role in processing antigens - "professional" process soluble antigens and
present to T-helpers to facilitate development of humoral immune response
T-lymphocytes role in processing antigens - - antigen enters host
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