Flashcard: The Immune System

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What is the main way infectious diseases are spread?

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Infectious diseases can be spread by touching contaminated objects, not washing hands regularly, being near infected people, or a combination of these methods.

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What do we call an organism that causes disease?

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A pathogen is any organism, such as a virus or bacteria, that causes disease.

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What is the inflammatory response?

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The inflammatory response is part of the body's defense against pathogens, where fluid and white blood cells leak from blood vessels into tissues to destroy pathogens.

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What is vaccination?

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Vaccination is the process of introducing harmless antigens into a person's body to produce active immunity.

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What is immunity?

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Immunity is the body's ability to destroy pathogens before they can cause disease.

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What are antibiotics?

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Antibiotics are medications used to treat infections caused by bacteria.

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What is an antibody?

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An antibody is a protein produced by the immune system to identify and neutralize pathogens like bacteria and viruses.

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What is a phagocyte?

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A phagocyte is a type of white blood cell that engulfs and digests foreign particles, including pathogens.

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What is passive immunity?

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Passive immunity is the temporary immunity gained by receiving antibodies from another source, such as from mother to child.

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What is the role of the immune system?

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The immune system protects the body from harmful pathogens and diseases.