Immune system innate and adaptive flashcards

What is the innate immune system?

The part of the immune system that provides immediate defense against infection. It includes physical barriers and immune cells.

What is the adaptive immune system?

A specialized immune response that develops over time, targeting specific pathogens with memory cells.

Difference between innate and adaptive immunity

Innate immunity is non-specific and immediate, while adaptive immunity is specific and takes time to develop.

True or false: T cells are part of the innate immune system.

False, because T cells are components of the adaptive immune response.

What role do macrophages play?

Macrophages engulf and digest pathogens and dead cells. They are key players in the innate immune response.

Fill in the blank: Antibodies are produced by _____ cells.

B cells.

What are cytokines?

Signaling proteins released by cells that mediate and regulate immunity, inflammation, and hematopoiesis.

True or false: The skin is a part of the adaptive immune system.

False, because the skin is a barrier of the innate immune system.

What is a pathogen?

Any microorganism that can cause disease, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

Difference between B cells and T cells

B cells produce antibodies; T cells destroy infected host cells and help regulate the immune response.

Question: How does vaccination work?

Vaccination introduces a harmless part of a pathogen to stimulate an adaptive immune response.

What is inflammation?

A local response to injury or infection characterized by redness, heat, swelling, and pain.

True or false: Memory cells are created during the adaptive immune response.

True, because memory cells allow for a faster response upon re-exposure to the same pathogen.

What is the role of dendritic cells?

Dendritic cells capture and present antigens to T cells, linking the innate and adaptive immune responses.

Fill in the blank: The first line of defense in immunity is _____ barriers.

Physical (e.g., skin, mucous membranes).

What is the complement system?

A group of proteins that enhance the ability of antibodies and phagocytic cells to clear pathogens.