Immune System: A complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that defend the body against pathogens by recognizing and eliminating foreign invaders while distinguishing them from self-cells.
Pathogen: A microorganism such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites that causes disease.
Antigen: A substance, often a protein or polysaccharide, that triggers an immune response by being recognized as foreign by immune cells.
Innate Immunity: The body's immediate, non-specific defense mechanism that responds rapidly to pathogens using physical barriers, chemical defenses, and immune cells like macrophages and natural killer cells.
Adaptive Immunity: A specific immune response involving lymphocytes (B and T cells) that develops over time, has memory, and provides long-lasting protection against particular pathogens.
Lymphatic System: A network of vessels, lymph nodes, and organs that transports lymph fluid, filters pathogens, and facilitates immune cell activation.
1. What is the lymphatic system?
2. Which of the following is a specific component of innate immunity involving plasma proteins that enhances immune responses?
3. What is the primary role of adaptive immunity components in protecting the body?
Immune System — definition?
Network defending against pathogens.
Innate Immunity — components?
Physical barriers, phagocytes, NK cells, complement.
Adaptive Immunity — elements?
B cells, T cells, memory, MHC molecules.
Immune System — function?
Defends body using innate and adaptive responses.
Pathogen — definition?
Microorganism causing disease.
Antigen — role?
Triggers immune response.
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