What is immunocompetence?
immune system can identify and inactivate or destroy foreign substances
What are the three basic functions of a normal immune response?
-defense against microorganisms
-homeostasis: damaged substances digested and removed
-surveillance: recognition/destruction of mutations
What are major roles of lymphoid system organs?
-filtering foreign substances from the blood
-protecting body surfaces from invasion by pathogens
-differentation and maturation of lymphocytes
-circulation of lymphocytes
What are physical barriers of the immune system?
-skin
-mucuous membranes
-cilia
What are chemical barriers of immune system?
-mucus
-enzymes in tears
-acidic gastric secretions
-GU tract
-sebaceuous/sweat secretions
What factors impact immune system function?
-CNS integrity
- physical/emotional state
-meds
-diet
-stress
-illness
-trauma/surgery
-aging
What are antigens?
-foreign substance that illicits immune response
-recognized by immune receptors and antibodies (protein)
What are characteristics of tolerance?
-body has antigens unique to self for recognition
-ability of body to recognize self vs non-self
What are characterisitics ofn innate immunity?
-present at birth
-nonspecific defense against pathogens
-same level of response w/ each exposure
-neutrophiles and monocytes
What are characteristics of passive acquired immunity?
-mother to fetus
-breast feeding
-injection w/ antibodies
-all immediate effect but short-lived
What are characteristics of active acquired immunity?
-invasion of body (antigens)
-takes time but long effect
-enhanced response w/ reexposure
-natural= exposure
-artificial= vaccines
What are roles of phagocytes?
-capture, destroy, consume bacteria, parasites, and cellular debris
-present antigens to B and T lympocytes to initiate immune response
What is the role of T lymphocytes?
-attack antigen directly (cell membrane)
-immunity against intracellular viruses
-long-term immunity
What is the role of T-cytotoxic (CD8) cells?
-attack antigen directly
-cell membrane/cell lysis
What is the role of T-helper (CD4) cells?
-secrete cytokines
-stimulate the rest of the immune system
What is the role of T-supressor cells?
-prevent hypersensitiviry rxns
-close down immune response after invading organisms are destroyed
What is the role of memory cells?
recognize antigens from previous exposure
What are characteristics of natural killer cells?
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