CQRG 2024 Medical Terminology Bootcamp
SESSION 10 / INTRODUCTION TO THE IMMUNE SYSTEM
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Introduction to the Immune System
The core function of our immune system is to prevent (or limit) infection.
The immune system developed over time to safeguard us against a vast array of ever-evolving microbes. The immune system is composed of innate (or, general) mechanisms and adaptive (or, specialized) ones. Additionally, these systems assist in the removal of toxic and allergenic substances that may infiltrate the body through mucosal surfaces.
Key term: mucosal
relating to mucous membranes;
a membrane rich in mucous glands;
example: the passages of the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts
The Innate and Adaptive Immune Systems
The human body's innate immune system serves as the initial defense against invaders.
This system reacts in a uniform way to all pathogens and external agents. This is why it also known as the "non-specific" immune system.
Key term: innate immune system
body’s initial defense against infection and disease;
non-specific strategies
Features of the Innate Immune System
Non-specific:
Recognizes and reacts to common characteristics of various pathogens
Immediate:
Reacts rapidly. Often within minutes. Other components may take hours to identify and eradicate pathogens.
Physical barriers:
Barriers like the skin, mucous membranes, and other anatomical features serve as a physical defense against pathogens
Cellular components:
Dendritic cells, macrophages, neutrophils, and natural killer cells are some of the vital cellular elements involved in the innate immune response.
Cytokines:
Signaling molecules contribute to the coordination and regulation of responses.
Barriers to Infection
Barrier defenses, are key components of the body's innate defense mechanism.
Barrier defenses do not function as a reaction to infections; instead, they serve as safeguard against pathogens. They work by obstructing the entry of pathogens into the body, eliminating them once they have entered, or expelling them before they can establish a foothold.
Key term: barrier defenses
chemical and physical barriers that protect the body from external pathogens
Examples:
Skin:
Here highly keratinized cells on the surface layer are too dry for bacteria to grow well. They are being continuously sloughed off, along with the microbes on them.
Salivary Glands In The Oral Cavity:
These glands secrete an enzyme that destroys bacteria (lysozyme).
Stomach:
An extremely low pH creates an environment which is fatal to many pathogens.
Mucosal:
Able to trap debris and microbes. Facilitates removal.
Sweat and sebaceous glands of the skin:
Create a lower pH than microbes prefer.
Also contains substances toxic to pathogens
Physiologic Defenses
While our barrier defenses act as the initial physical line of defense against pathogens, innate immune responses serve as the primary physiological line of defense.
Infections may be rapidly and effectively controlled via innate immune responses. However, the actions of the innate immune system may fall short in fully halting pathogen proliferation. Even so, the system provides a window for adaptive immune responses to ramp up and take charge of suppressing or eradicating the pathogen.
A core function of the innate system is that it can signal cells of the adaptive immune system, instructing them on how to combat the pathogen.
The Adaptive Immune System
The adaptive immune system acts on invading microbes and/or substances directly.
If our non-specific defense mechanisms fail to eliminate a pathogen, the adaptive, or specialized system takes over. This system works to specifically target the type of invader causing the problem.
Adaptive immunity is a subsystem of the immune system composed of specialized, systemic cells and processes that work to neutralize pathogens and/or inhibit their growth.
The adaptive immune system responds to invaders in a highly precise manner. This response entails the identification of particular pathogens or antigens, as well as the mobilization of immune cells like T cells and B cells. By doing so, the adaptive immune system grants the body long-term immunity against specific pathogens, enabling it to retain a memory of previous infections and swiftly respond to future ones.
Key term: B Cells
also known as B lymphocytes:
type of white blood cell;
vital component of the adaptive immune response, responsible for producing antibodies
Key term: T Cells
also known as T lymphocytes:
type of white blood cell;
vital component of the adaptive immune response
This lesson offers an introduction to the immune system and related medical terms. We encourage you to explore the supplementary videos that delve deeper into the subject matter. Furthermore, Medical Terminology for Healthcare Professions, (Chapter 11) offers a more comprehensive understanding of the function, structure, and vocabulary associated with both the lymphatic and immune systems.
Helpful Videos:
Recommended Reading (Optional)
Textbook
Medical Terminology for Healthcare Professions, Katherine Greene and Andrea Nelson
Read Chapter 11
Immune System Crossword Puzzle
Download the Lesson 11 Activity here:
https://flipbookpdf.net/web/site/0e2d476457e5b3bd79e5a33942b4b177737807a0202406.pdf.html
The Learning Supplement
Analysis & Application
Remembering Level:
Can you recall what you learned in lecture, read in your text?
You can recall, define, list, repeat, or state
Understanding Level:
Can you explain the concepts you read or were taught?
You can discuss, explain, paraphrase, or select
Applying Level:
Can you use the information in a new way?
You can choose, demonstrate, employ, interpret, solve, etc
Analysis Level:
Can you distinguish between different points, parts, topics?
You can compare, contrast, distinguish, question, test, etc
Evaluating Level:
Can you justify a particular stance or decision?
You can appraise, defend, support, value, etc
Creating Level:
Can you produce content, or possibly a product?
Create, develop, design, write, etc
Study Tips For Higher Level Learning
Active learning involves activities that engage students in the learning process. While passive learning focuses on reading text, taking notes and listening to lectures; active learning seeks to involve the student as a direct participant.
While both styles are important, students who are actively engaged in their own learning process are more likely to recall and use information.
Some simple ways to begin active learning:
Discuss topics with a friend after lessons
Create a mock quiz or practice questions
Develop a case study