Human Body Systems & Functions Flashcards

Identify the major human organ systems and describe the function of each in maintaining life and supporting bodily processes. (186 cards)

1
Q

What are the three main types of blood vessels in the body?

A
  • Arteries
  • Veins
  • Capillaries
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2
Q

What is the major artery that carries oxygenated blood to the body?

A

Aorta

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3
Q

What is the function of veins in the cardiovascular system?

A

Carry blood from the body back to the heart.

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4
Q

What type of blood do most veins carry?

A

Deoxygenated blood

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5
Q

What is the major vein that delivers blood from the lower body back to the right atrium of the heart?

A

Inferior vena cava

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6
Q

What are capillaries and where are they located?

A

They are much smaller blood vessels that connect arteries and veins and are located throughout the body’s tissues, where they serve as the site of gas exchange.

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7
Q

What is the function of the pulmonary artery?

A

Carries deoxygenated from the right ventricle to the lungs.

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8
Q

What is the function of the pulmonary vein?

A

Carries oxygenated blood back to the heart from the lungs.

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9
Q

What is the primary function of the cardiovascular system?

A

To pump blood throughout the body.

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10
Q

What are the three main parts of the cardiovascular system?

A
  • Heart
  • Blood vessels
  • Blood
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11
Q

What are the two main circuits of the cardiovascular system?

A
  • Pulmonary circuit and Systemic circuit

Pulmonary circuit: Moves blood between the heart and the lungs.
Systemic circuit: Moves blood throughout the body.

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12
Q

What is the main function of arteries in the cardiovascular system?

A

Carry blood throughout the body from the heart.

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13
Q

What is the function of platelets in the blood?

A

Help blood to become solid and clot when a blood vessel is broken.

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14
Q

What is the function of the spleen in the cardiovascular system?

A

Removes old red blood cells, stores white blood cells, and helps fight infection.

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15
Q

What is the overall function of the respiratory system?

A
  • Bringing air into the body.
  • Putting oxygen in the blood.
  • Removing carbon dioxide and wastes from the blood.
  • Releasing air from the body.
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16
Q

What is the function of amylase in the digestive process?

A

Breaks large polysaccharides into smaller ones.

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17
Q

What is the function of the pyloric sphincter?

A

Controls the flow of partially digested food into the small intestine.

The pyloric sphincter is a muscular valve at the bottom of the stomach that controls the release of partially digested food into the small intestine.

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18
Q

What is the function of the epiglottis during swallowing?

A

Directs food down the esophagus.

The epiglottis is a flap of tissue that prevents food from entering the trachea and instead directs it down the esophagus during swallowing.

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19
Q

What is the primary function of the colon in the large intestine?

A

To dehydrate digested food.

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20
Q

What is the function of the appendix in the large intestine?

A

Considered vestigial, may store good bacteria.

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21
Q

What is the primary function of the jejunum in the small intestine?

A

Absorption of sugar, amino acids, and fatty acids.

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22
Q

What is the primary function of the ileum in the small intestine?

A

Absorbs bile salts and Vitamin B12, and it also secretes digestive enzymes.

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23
Q

What is the primary function of the large intestine?

A

Absorbs water and electrolytes, and turns liquid waste into stool.

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24
Q

What is the function of the anus in the digestive system?

A

Where stool leaves the body.

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25
What is the main function of the **excretory system**?
**Removing wastes** in the body to regulate the body's chemical composition.
26
What are the major functions of the **kidneys**?
* Filter waste products out of the blood. * Help regulate blood composition and pressure.
27
What is the basic functional unit of the kidney?
Glomerulus
28
What is the function of the **liver** in the detoxification process?
Detoxifying and modifying dangerous substances so they can be removed from the body.
29
What is the **primary function** of the immune system?
To protect against germs and microorganisms that cause sicknesses. ## Footnote The immune system acts as a defense mechanism similar to a military force.
30
What is the function of **lymph nodes** in the immune system?
Filter lymph from foreign bodies and produce lymphocytes to attack them.
31
What is the function of the **skin** in the immune system?
Acts as the **first barrier** and defender of the body.
32
What is the function of **plasma cells** in the immune system?
Produce antibodies that attack foreign antigens.
33
What is the primary function of **innate immunity**?
To act as the body's initial line of defense against infections and illnesses. ## Footnote Also known as Non-specific immunity. Examples: * Tears containing lysosomes * Acids in the stomach * Mucus in different body regions * Skin
34
What is the function of **long bones** in the skeletal system?
Contain red marrow that functions in **producing blood cells** and have an **epiphyseal plate for bone lengthening**.
35
What is the function of **sesamoid bones** in the skeletal system?
It reduces friction, enhance muscle efficiency, protect tendons, increase stability, and absorb impact in the skeletal system. It is found wrapped in a tendon and generally short or irregular. ## Footnote Example: the patella (kneecap).
36
What is the function of **skeletal muscles** in the muscular system?
**Facilitate movement** and stimulus response in conjunction with bones of the skeletal system. ## Footnote Skeletal muscle is able to be moved voluntarily.
37
What is the function of **muscle contraction** in movement?
Involves the flexion and extension of muscle fibers to create movement by attaching myosin to actin to form a cross-bridge.
38
What important functions do muscles perform **besides movement and support**?
* Active in blood circulation. * Generate heat through metabolic processes and muscle contraction.
39
What is the main function of the **skeletal system**?
* support * protection * blood cell manufacture * movement * Assistance in maintaining homeostasis within the body.
40
What is the main function of the **muscular system**?
* movement * organ protection * blood transport
41
What is the function of **ligaments** in the musculoskeletal system?
Connect two bones together.
42
What is the function of **tendons** in the musculoskeletal system?
Connect muscles to bones at their origins and insertions.
43
What are the **two main parts** of the nervous system?
* Central and Peripheral nervous systems
44
What are the **three main parts** of the **brain**?
* Cerebrum * Cerebellum * Brainstem
45
What is the **spinal cord's** function?
Carries information from the body to the brain and from the brain to the body.
46
What are the **two parts** of the efferent nervous system?
Somatic and Autonomic nervous system
47
What is the function of the **afferent division** of the peripheral nervous system?
Sends sensory information **from the body to the brain**.
48
What is the function of the **efferent division** of the peripheral nervous system?
Sends motor information **from the brain to the glands and muscles**.
49
What is the main **function** of the endocrine system?
To regulate and monitor the levels of hormones circulating in the blood. ## Footnote Endocrine system plays a large role in homeostasis.
50
What is the function of the **pituitary gland**?
To produce hormones that control other glands and bodily functions like blood pressure and water balance.
51
What is the key function of the **parathyroid gland** in the endocrine system?
Regulation of calcium in the blood.
52
What is the key function of the **adrenal gland** in the endocrine system?
Essential for the body's fight-or-flight response by releasing adrenaline.
53
What is the function of the **female reproductive system**?
To produce eggs via the menstrual cycle.
54
What are the **four phases** of the menstrual cycle?
1. Menses phase 2. Follicular phase 3. Ovulation 4. Luteal phase
55
What is the function of the **ovaries**?
To house premature eggs and release mature eggs during each menstrual cycle.
56
What is the function of the **vagina**?
To **connect** the female reproductive system to the external environment and serve as the birth canal.
57
What is the function of the **breasts** in the female reproductive system?
To **produce milk** for infants.
58
What is the function of the **male reproductive system**?
To produce **sperm**.
59
What is the function of the **uterus**?
Houses a developing fetus until **birth**.
60
What can disrupt the normal functioning of the immune system?
High levels of **stress** can disrupt the normal functioning of the immune system. ## Footnote This highlights the impact of environmental factors on immune health.
61
What do **coronary arteries** supply blood to?
They supply oxygenated blood to the **heart muscle** itself.
62
What are the **three layers of muscle tissue** that compose the heart?
* Endocardium * Myocardium * Pericardium ## Footnote **Endocardium** - lines the inside of the heart. **Myocardium** - thick muscular layer of the heart. **Pericardium** - surrounds the heart.
63
What is the function of the **tricuspid valve** in the heart?
Receives **deoxygenated blood** from the **superior** and **inferior** vena cava.
64
What is the function of the **mitral valve** (bicuspid valve) in the heart?
Allows oxygenated blood to flow from the **left atrium to the left ventricle**.
65
What type of muscle is found in the **heart**?
Cardiac muscle ## Footnote This muscle contracts involuntarily.
66
What are the **three layers** of the uterus?
* Endometrium * Myometrium * Serosa
67
What are the **main components** of blood?
* Red blood cells * White blood cells * Platelets
68
What are **red blood cells** designed to carry?
Oxygen
69
What is the role of **white blood cells** in the body?
Cells of the immune system that help **prevent infection**.
70
What is the **main organ** in the cardiovascular system?
Heart
71
What are the structures that carry out the **majority of the function of the pulmonary system** by bringing oxygen into the blood?
Lungs
72
What is the **large passageway for air** into and out of the lungs?
Trachea ## Footnote Also known as the windpipe.
73
What are the main passageways from the **trachea to the lungs**?
Bronchi
74
What are the smaller branches that **come off the bronchi and lead to the air sacs**?
Bronchioles
75
What are the structures that are more commonly called the air sacs and are the site of gas exchange in the lungs?
Alveoli
76
What is the opening through which **air, food, and drink enter the body**?
Mouth
77
What is the large, relatively thin muscle that sits at the base of the lungs and functions in inhaling and exhaling?
Diaphragm ## Footnote The diaphragm contracts and flattens to expand the lungs and create a vacuum for air to be sucked in.
78
What are the muscles located between the ribs that **help to move the chest cavity** during inhalation and exhalation?
Intercostal muscles
79
What are some conditions that may interfere with the proper functioning of the respiratory system?
* Asthma * Cystic fibrosis * Emphysema * COPD
80
Which enzyme breaks **proteins** down into smaller peptides in the stomach?
Pepsin
81
How do **epithelial cells** of the stomach protect themselves from HCl and pepsin?
They **secrete mucus and bicarbonate** to form a protective barrier against hydrochloric acid and enzymes like pepsin.
82
Describe the **process** of food moving from the mouth to the stomach.
1. Chewing breaks down food physically. 2. Saliva containing amylase breaks down complex carbohydrates. 3. Food enters the pharynx and then the esophagus. 4. Muscle contractions push food into the stomach.
83
What happens when a person sees, smells, or anticipates eating food?
The brain sends a signal to the stomach to start **preparing for a meal**. Saliva builds up in the mouth. ## Footnote This signal triggers the stomach to secrete a small amount of hydrochloric acid and activate the smooth muscles in preparation for food intake.
84
What is the role of the **smooth muscles of the stomach** during digestion?
* Churning the stomach at a low rate. * Thoroughly mixing food and gastric juice. ## Footnote The smooth muscles of the stomach churn the food and gastric juice until it is liquefied and ready for release into the small intestine.
85
What happens to the stomach **between meals**?
It is empty and pretty much inactive. ## Footnote It takes about 2-6 hours for the stomach to empty its contents into the small intestine.
86
What is the **lower gastrointestinal tract** composed of?
* most of the small intestine * the large intestine * the anus
87
What is the primary role of the **digestive system**?
To break down food and absorb nutrients.
88
What is the role of the **liver** in the digestive system?
To release bile salts to help digest fats.
89
What enzyme is responsible for the **breakdown of fats** in the stomach and pancreas?
Lipase
90
Where does **most nutrient absorption** in the lower GI tract occur?
Small intestine
91
What are the **finger-like projections** covering the moist inner lining of the small intestine called?
Villi
92
What is the process responsible for **food and liquid movement** in the gastrointestinal tract?
Peristalsis
93
What is the role of **good bacteria** in the colon?
* Break down undigested polysaccharides. * Produce gases like nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and methane. * Synthesize vitamins like thiamine, riboflavin, and biotin.
94
What is the purpose of the **external and internal sphincter** muscles in the anus?
Control bowel movements.
95
What is the primary role of the **upper gastrointestinal tract**?
Transporting and digesting food.
96
What is the primary role of the **duodenum** in the digestive process?
Chemical digestion of food and preparation for nutrient absorption in the lower GI tract.
97
What is the **difference** between the upper GI and lower GI?
* The **upper GI** consists of the mouth, esophagus, stomach, and the first section of the small intestine (duodenum). * The **lower GI** consists of the rest of the small intestine (jejunum and ileum), the large intestine, and the anus. ## Footnote The upper GI transports and digests food, preparing it for nutrient absorption, while the lower GI aids digestion, absorbs nutrients, and eliminates waste.
98
What is a major **byproduct** of human metabolism that the liver converts into urea?
Ammonia
99
How is **urea** eliminated from the body?
Filtered out of the bloodstream by the kidneys and concentrated in the urine.
100
What are the structures in the kidneys that **filters urea** out of the bloodstream?
Glomeruli
101
What are the **tubes that carry urine from the kidneys** to the bladder called?
Ureters
102
What organ stretches to create a larger holding capacity as it fills with urine?
Bladder
103
What signals the sensation of the need to urinate when the bladder is full?
Nerves of the bladder.
104
How do people normally control when they **empty their bladder**?
By controlling a muscular valve at the exit point of the bladder.
105
What happens in the **renal tubules** of the kidneys?
They collect filtrate from the blood, concentrate it into urine, and reabsorb nutrients, water, and sodium chloride.
106
What is the **immune system**?
Includes organs, cells, and tissue that protect the body from infections and diseases. ## Footnote Immune system can fight off bacterial infections, viral infections, parasites, haptens and fungal infections.
107
What is the role of **thymus** in the immune system?
Produces important immune cells. ## Footnote These immune cells are called T cells.
108
What is the main role of **bone marrow** in the immune system?
The synthesis of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
109
What are the types of **white blood cells** produced in the bone marrow?
* Neutrophils * Eosinophils * Basophils * Monocytes * Lymphocytes ## Footnote **Neutrophils**: Kill bacteria and fungi. **Eosinophils**: Kill parasites and invade cancerous cells. **Basophils**: Involved in an allergic response. **Monocytes**: Get rid of damaged cells. **Lymphocytes**: Attack viruses and produce antibodies.
110
What is the role of **tonsils** in the immune system?
Prevent foreign bodies from entering the lungs.
111
What are the **two divisions** of the immune system?
* Innate immunity * Adaptive (specific) immunity
112
What is the main role of **cytokines** in innate immunity?
Manage the immune cell's reactions.
113
What are the two types of adaptive immunity?
* Humoral immune response * Cell-mediated immune response ## Footnote **Humoral immune response** - produces antigen specific antibodies. **Cell-mediated immune response** - Does not produce antigen specific antibodies.
114
How does the **adaptive immune system** protect the body from re-infection?
By developing immunological memory against diseases and pathogens. ## Footnote After the body is exposed to an antigen, antibodies are created that will recognize the antigen in the future so that a faster immune response can be activated.
115
What is the primary role of **T-cells** in the immune system?
Destroy cells directly.
116
What is the purpose of **immune tolerance**?
To distinguish between self and non-self (foreign) cells.
117
What are the organs of the immune system?
* Tonsils * Thymus * Spleen * Lymph nodes * Bone marrow * Skin
118
What is a **vaccine**?
A substance intended to **stimulate antibody formation** and provide protection against a disease.
119
**How many bones** does an adult human have in its skeletal system?
206
120
What are the **five main categories** of bones in the skeletal system?
* long bones * short bones * flat bones * sesamoid bones * irregular bones ## Footnote Bone are classified by their shape.
121
Where can **short bones** be found in the body?
Examples include the bones of the **wrists** (carpals) and **ankles** (tarsals).
122
Give an example of a **flat bone** in the skeletal system.
scapula (shoulder blade) and pelvis ## Footnote Flat bones provide a large flat surface for muscle attachment or the protection of organs.
123
What are examples of **irregular bones** in the skeletal system?
* mandible (lower jaw bone) * vertebrae * sacrum
124
What type of muscle is responsible for **peristalsis** in the digestive system?
Visceral muscle
125
What is the **composition** of skeletal muscle?
* bundles of myofibrils * long and fibrous muscle cells * sarcomeres containing actin and myosin fibers
126
What is the human musculoskeletal system composed of?
* bones * skeletal muscles * connective tissue * ligaments * tendons
127
Where do muscles attach proximally to bones in the human musculoskeletal system? ## Footnote Proximally = closest point to the body.
At a point called the **origin**.
128
Where do muscles attach distally to bones in the human musculoskeletal system? ## Footnote Distally = farthest point from the body.
At the **insertion**, usually crossing a joint in the process.
129
What is the neuromuscular junction?
The point where the motor neuron meets the skeletal muscle, containing a space called a synapse. ## Footnote Signals for muscle contraction are transmitted through acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction.
130
What happens in a **reflex reaction**?
Instructions bypass the brain for quick, efficient movement in response to stimuli.
131
How do muscles **work in teams**?
For every muscle that flexes, there is an opposing muscle that must lengthen or flex.
132
What is the role of **bones** in muscle movement?
Provide the **framework** for skeletal muscle attachment.
133
What is the purpose of **joints** in the musculoskeletal system?
Allow for movement of the joints by connecting involved muscles to both bones at their origin and insertion.
134
What is the significance of the **musculoskeletal system** in the human body?
* moves the body * responds to stimuli * offers support and protection to vital organs * participates in circulation
135
What is the **nervous system**?
The collection of cells, tissues, and organs in the body that facilitate electrochemical communication throughout the body.
136
What are the **three main organs** of the nervous system?
* Brain * Spinal cord * Nerves
137
What are **neurons**?
Specialized cells that can send electrochemical signals.
138
What is the **cerebrum** responsible for?
Main processing organ of the body.
139
What is the **cerebellum** involved in?
Fine motor coordination, motor learning, and more.
140
What can happen when there is damage to the **spinal cord**?
Issues with perceiving sensations and controlling motor function in the body.
141
What are some examples of diseases that can affect the central nervous system?
* Alzheimer's disease * Multiple sclerosis * Epilepsy * Cancer * Traumatic brain injury * Prion disease
142
What is the **peripheral nervous system**?
All of the nerves in the body outside of the central nervous system.
143
What does the **somatic nervous system** control?
Processes that are under a person's **conscious control**.
144
What does the **autonomic nervous system** control?
Processes that are **not under a person's conscious control**.
145
What are the two divisions of the autonomic nervous system?
* Sympathetic and Parasympathetic nervous systems
146
What does the **sympathetic nervous system** control?
**"Fight or flight"** response and is activated during times of stress.
147
What does the **parasympathetic nervous system** control?
**"Rest and digest"** part of the nervous system.
148
What is the body's response to being **presented with a threat**?
* dilation of pupils * increase in heart rate * increase in breathing
149
What is the **endocrine system**?
A network consisting of glands that produce and secrete hormones internally.
150
What are **hormones**?
Chemicals that travel to organs, skin, other tissues, and muscles in the body. ## Footnote Processes affected by hormones include: * Metabolism * Sleep * Sexual development and function * Blood pressure * Temperature * Development and growth
151
What are the **major glands** that make up the endocrine system?
* Hypothalamus * Pituitary * Thyroid * Parathyroid * Thymus * Adrenal * Pancreas
152
What is the role of the **hypothalamus** in the endocrine system?
Regulating and controlling the endocrine system by combining information from the nervous system and other glands.
153
Where is the **thyroid gland** located and what is its primary responsibility?
Located at the front of the neck, responsible for metabolism by producing the thyroid hormone.
154
What is the role of the **pancreas** in the endocrine system?
**Produces insulin**, an important hormone that regulates the level of sugar in the blood.
155
How do hormones **travel** to their target organ or cell?
Through the **blood**, where they attach and bind to specific receptors on the target cell.
156
How does the endocrine system achieve **metabolic balance** in the body?
* By regulating the body's cellular metabolism. * By balancing the levels of sugar and other nutrients. * By regulating blood pressure and heart rate. * By influencing sleep patterns. * By controlling digestion.
157
What is the **reproductive system**?
The system responsible for the **creation of offspring** from gametes in sexually reproducing organisms.
158
What is a **gamete**?
A cell that contains one set of genetic material. ## Footnote Example: Egg and Sperm.
159
What happens during the **menses phase** of the menstrual cycle?
Old uterine tissue is **shed** from the body, resulting in **bleeding**.
160
What **hormone** leads to the thickening of uterine tissue during the follicular phase?
**Estrogen** and follicle-stimulating hormone.
161
When does **ovulation typically occur** in the menstrual cycle?
Around day 14. ## Footnote At this time an egg is released for potential fertilization.
162
What hormone **triggers the release of an egg** during ovulation?
Luteinizing hormone.
163
What is the **final** phase of the menstrual cycle?
luteal phase ## Footnote The egg is released from the follicle and travels down through the uterus.
164
What **organs** are involved in the **female** reproductive system?
* Uterus * Ovaries * Vagina * Breasts
165
What are some common **conditions** that can affect the female reproductive system?
* Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) * Uterine fibroids * Endometriosis
166
Where are **sperm produced** in the male reproductive system?
**Seminiferous tubules** of the testes.
167
What is the external organ that **carries sperm out** through the penis in males?
vas deferens
168
What structures are housed in the **scrotum** in males?
testes
169
What are the **major structures** of the male reproductive system?
penis and testes
170
What is the primary role of **mast cells**?
Invade bacterial infections and tumors.
171
What is the **brainstem** responsible for?
Involuntary body processes such as breathing, heartrate, and regulating the sleep cycle.
172
What occurs during the **follicular phase**?
Ovaries are stimulated to produce follicles that contain eggs.
173
What are the two main types of **white blood cells** in the immune system?
Phagocytes and Lymphocytes ## Footnote These cells work together to defend the body against infection and disease.
174
How do lymphocytes **differ** from phagocytes?
**Lymphocytes** recognize and deactivate specific foreign substances, while **phagocytes** kill anything they don't recognize. ## Footnote Lymphocytes are like trained assassins, learning about invaders for future defense.
175
What is an **antigen**?
A foreign substance that **induces** an immune response. ## Footnote Antigens can include bacteria, viruses, and other harmful microorganisms.
176
What role do **B lymphocytes** play in the immune response?
They **produce antibodies** that lock onto and disable specific antigens. ## Footnote These antibodies are specialized protein molecules crucial for targeting invaders.
177
What are **T lymphocytes** responsible for?
They **destroy antigens** that have been marked by antibodies. ## Footnote Some subsets of T cells are known as killer T cells.
178
How do **immunizations** work?
They provide injections of weakened microorganisms to stimulate antibody production. ## Footnote This prepares the immune system to fight off future infections from the actual antigens.
179
# Fill in the blank: The antibodies that form against a specific antigen remain in the body to help fight off a \_\_\_\_\_\_\_.
repeat invasion ## Footnote This memory helps the immune system respond more effectively to subsequent exposures.
180
What are **immunodeficiency diseases**?
Immunodeficiency diseases are conditions where the normal immune response is either **absent or defective**. ## Footnote Individuals with these diseases are more susceptible to infections and diseases.
181
List some **examples** of autoimmune diseases.
* Lupus * Rheumatoid arthritis * Crohn's disease * Multiple sclerosis ## Footnote These diseases occur when the immune system attacks the body itself.
182
What can cause a **deficiency** in the immune system later in life?
Conditions such as **AIDS and lymphoma cancers** can lead to a weakened immune system. ## Footnote Radiation treatment for cancers may also contribute to this deficiency.
183
How do autoimmune diseases affect the body?
Autoimmune diseases can lead to joint inflammation, arthritis, neuron dysfunction, kidney malfunction, and paralysis. ## Footnote The specific effects depend on the disease in question.
184
# Fill in the blank: Autoimmune diseases are generally treated with \_\_\_\_\_\_\_ drugs.
immunosuppressant ## Footnote These drugs suppress the immune system to prevent it from attacking the body.
185
# True or False: Women are more likely than men to develop rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis.
True ## Footnote Women are two to three times more likely to develop MS and nine times more likely to develop lupus.
186
What is the consequence of a suppressed immune system due to treatment for autoimmune diseases?
A suppressed immune system makes the body more vulnerable to infection and disease. ## Footnote This poses a significant trade-off in treatment decisions.