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Immune System
This category is for questions about how our bodies identify and fight off disease, infection or pathogens through specialized cells, tissues and organs. The system that does this is called the immune system. It produces antibodies which recognize intruders and neutralizes potentially pathogenic organisms or substances.
4,548 Questions
Most pathogens are prevented from entering the body by what?
The skin is the main barrier against pathogens. It is covered by the hard protein keratin, and so pathgens can only enter by a break in this layer, for example a wound. At wounds, blood clots to prevent too many pathogens entering the body. There are also billions of bacteria crawling over our skin called Skin Flora, and these are harmless. They out-compete any other bacteria attempting to colonise the skin, so that they do not grow on us.
MucusOur noses, mouths and eyes are all natural breaks in the skin, so it is logical that these are the best entry points for any pathogens. Our airways and guts are moist, and so provide ideal breeding grounds for pathogens. However, mucus is secreted by the cells lining the airway, and pathogens get stuck in this mucus. Tiny hair-like protrusions called cilia move the mucus up to the throat, where it can be swallowed. The tears in our eyes produce an enzyme called lysozyme, which breaks down most bacterial cell walls, killing the bacteria. Secretions in the mouth and nose also contain lysozyme.
Digestive SystemsOur stomach contains concentrated Hydrochloric Acid lower than pH 2 (which is extremely acidic and is why vomit burns the throat). Most bacteria cannot survive these conditions and so are digested into simple sugars and proteins. In the guts are more bacteria like on the skin, and these are called Gut Flora. These also out-compete bacteria so they do not colonise our guts. The gut flora are harmless, and some even aid digestion or produce chemicals such as lactic acid, which help us defend against other pathogens.
Why is the immune system sometimes called the double egde sword?
This is because usually the immune system fights off infection so you don't get sick. However sometimes the immune system turns on the body and get make you very ill. These diseases that occur when the immune system turns against you are called autoimmune diseases. Some examples are immune mediated hemolytic anemia (when the immune system turns against the red blood cells) and immune mediated arthritis.
What cells express MHC class II molecules?
There are two classes of MHC. MHC I are expressed in all cells except red blood cells (because they lack nuclei). MHC I andMHC II are expressed in professional antigen presenting cells (APC's) that include :macrophages, dendritic cells and B cells.
What is the percentage of Immunoglobulin G in the plasma?
IgG, is the predominant Ig class present in human plasma. Produced as part of the secondary
immune response to an antigen, it is approximately 75% of total serum Ig. IgG is the only class of Ig that can cross the placenta in humans.
What are five general types of pathogens?
Viruses: Ebola, Influenza, AIDS , "colds"...
Bacteria: Tuberculosis, Typhoid fever, Cholera...
Fungi: Mycoses, Fungemia, Histoplasmosis...
Parasites: Malaria, Snail fever, Amoebiasis...
Prions: "Mad cow disease", Kuru, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease ...
Which of the following does the immune system attack within the body?
In lupus, as in all other autoimmune diseases, the immune system does not attack itself. Rather, the immune system is confused and attacks health parts of the self such as organs and joints. The exact cause of these diseases is not known. Researchers have identified some genes that are responsible. But even if a person has a genetic predisposition to autoimmunity, it may never develop. Triggers are also involved. Cigarette smoke, the Epstein Barr virus, and sunlight are known triggers in lupus, although others are suspected.
How does glutathione act in the body?
Glutathione has hundreds of functions in the body, but the acronym "An IDEA" covers about 90% of what glutathione does.
An-tioxidant
I-mmune System Optimizer
D-etoxifier
E-nergy Restorer
A-nti-aging Protein
How can you grow your nails faster?
you can start by using products from skin care and if you want your nails to be longer you can get a bowl of water and put about 1 table spoon of salt in it and soak for 15 minutes. or you could get lemon juice and do the same.
What immune system cells are attracted to the chemicals secreted by helper T cells?
Cytotoxic t cells and b lymphocytes!
Which induces the production of a specific antibody?
Generally, the first body cell to encounter an antigen is a specific type of white blood cell called a macrophage. The macrophage partially digests the antigen and presents some of the antigens proteins on its surface. This is known as antigen presentation. Once the macrophage has presented the proteins, helper T cells recognize these proteins and search for a B cell that is able to produce the needed antibodies. The T cell chemically communicates with the B cell which, upon activation, undergoes a series of cell divisions. B plasma cells and B memory cells are produced. The B plasma cells produce antibodies needed to fight the antigen while the B memory cells circulate in the bloodstream and are available in case of future infection.
Can anxiety and stress cause tuberculosis?
No : Stress cannot cause tuberculosis. Yes: stress can aggravate tuberculosis However the above applies to any illness. ie Lets take a simple illness, (the common cold).
- You are morely likely to catch a cold if your immune system is weakened. Stress can be one of the factors.
- If you have a cold you will take longer to recover if you are suffering from stress.
Disorder where persons antibodies react persons own normal tissues?
There are so many disease where in our immune system produces antibodies for our own tissues. To name few are Insulin Dependent Diabetes Milletus, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Myesthenia Gravis, Multiple Sclerosis, Goodpastures Syndrome, Graves Disease etc.
Which of the following tests is most useful in determining the presence of AIDS antibodies?
The first blood test for AIDS was developed in 1985. At present, patients who are being tested for HIV infection are usually given an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test for the presence of HIV antibody in their blood.
Why is it hard for pathogens to get to a part of the body in which they can cause a disease?
The body has natural barriers to prevent micro-organisms called microbes from entering inside. Some of these are natural barriers, which includes the use of certain body parts to block the entry of the microbes.
One of these natural barriers is the skin, which protects the internal organs from damage caused by diseases, as well as harmful chemicals and radiation from the sun.
The nasal hairs in the nose and sticky mucus along the windpipe also helps prevent diseases by filtering the air. If some irritants get into the nose, the person will cough to shift the mucus down into the throat to be swallowed. The mucus will then be transferred to the stomach so that the microbes can be killed by its acid.
The body also have chemical barriers to prevent the entry of microbes. This includes body fluids with cleansing properties such as saliva and tears, which are capable of washing away particles trapped under the skin's surface.
The acid in the stomach (as mentioned above) bears the ability to kill a majority of microbes before they enter into other parts of the digestive system, which prevents intestine-related diseases.
Is globulin 3.5 high globulin?
Normal globulin in the adult runs 2.3-3.4 g/dL. Alpha1 runs 0.1-0.3 g/dL or 1-3 g/L. Alpha2 runs 0.6-1 g/dL or 6-10 g/L. Beta globulin runs 0.7-1.1 g/dL or 7-11 g/L. If you're talking total globulin, then 3.5 is on the high end of normal. However, normal ranges vary, so being 0.1 above the "normal" of 3.4 isn't necessarily high. Your doctor's normal range could easily be 2.5-3.5. Every medical center has slightly different normal ranges.
Source: Mosby's Diagnostic and Laboratory Test Reference 10e
What type of pathogen is shingles?
Chicken pox is caused by the Varicella Zoxter Virus (VZV) and it is one of eight herpes viruses to infect humans. The most common cause of infection that it gives is chicken pox in children, and then shingles in adults...although I can't remember the last time I've heard of an adult having shingles. The VZV virus is also known as the chickenpox virus, varicella virus, zoster virus, and human herpes virus type 3.
How many servings are in a bottle of water?
This question is very vague, but if the author of this question means "How many bottles of water do you need in a day," then you need a minimum of 8 cups per day. If you are using 12 oz bottles you need about 5-6 per day.
Are amino acids the main building block of antibodies?
Yes, they do.
Antibodies are a formation of many proteins inside of an organism, and all proteins are formed from a synthesis of amino acids.
B lymphocytes develop immunocompetence in the?
Directly from my anatomy and physiology book - Marieb & Hoehn Eighth Edition:
"Lymphocytes originate in red bone marrow from hematopoietic stem cells."
" B cells become immunocompetent and self-tolerant in the bone marrow."
Basic difference between phagocytes and lymphocytes?
well...phagocytes are mainly part of the immune systems defense system, like when there is an inflammatory response. While lymphocytes are mainly for when the immune system attacks a foreign organism. However, lymphocytes can become phagocytes that's why i didnt say that they were part of a certain sector of the immune system.
What produces antibodies to remove foreign invaders?
Antibodies are produced in a White blood cell called a plasma cell. The antibody is made for a specific type of pathogen which it recognises by it's antigen. The antibody will link on to the pathogen and either destroy it or hold on to it until another White blood cell will come and ingest (eat) it.
