Biology /Medical Terminology: Lymphatic & Immune Systems Part 2
Define: cytotoxic T cells (CD8+ T cells)
A subtype of T cells that directly kill infected or cancerous cells by recognizing specific antigens. CD8+ T cells are crucial for eliminating virus-infected cells.
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Key Terms
Term
Definition
Define: cytotoxic T cells (CD8+ T cells)
A subtype of T cells that directly kill infected or cancerous cells by recognizing specific antigens. CD8+ T cells are crucial for eliminating virus-i...
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Define: memory T cells
Long-lived T cells that remember past infections and can mount a rapid immune response upon re-exposure to the same pathogen. Memory T cells provide l...
Define: regulatory T cells (Tregs)
A subtype of T cells that help maintain immune tolerance and prevent autoimmune responses by suppressing overactive immune cells. Regulatory T cells a...
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Define: plasma cells
Activated B cells that produce and secrete large quantities of antibodies in response to an antigen. Plasma cells are responsible for producing antibo...
Define: natural killer (NK) cells
A type of lymphocyte that can kill tumor cells and virus-infected cells without prior sensitization, playing a crucial role in innate immunity. Natura...
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Define: macrophages
Large phagocytic cells that engulf and digest pathogens, dead cells, and debris, playing a key role in both innate and adaptive immunity. Macrophages ...
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| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
Define: cytotoxic T cells (CD8+ T cells) | A subtype of T cells that directly kill infected or cancerous cells by recognizing specific antigens. CD8+ T cells are crucial for eliminating virus-infected cells. |
Define: memory T cells | Long-lived T cells that remember past infections and can mount a rapid immune response upon re-exposure to the same pathogen. Memory T cells provide long-term immunity after an infection. |
Define: regulatory T cells (Tregs) | A subtype of T cells that help maintain immune tolerance and prevent autoimmune responses by suppressing overactive immune cells. Regulatory T cells are crucial for preventing autoimmune diseases. |
Define: plasma cells | Activated B cells that produce and secrete large quantities of antibodies in response to an antigen. Plasma cells are responsible for producing antibodies that neutralize pathogens. |
Define: natural killer (NK) cells | A type of lymphocyte that can kill tumor cells and virus-infected cells without prior sensitization, playing a crucial role in innate immunity. Natural killer cells provide a rapid response to infected or cancerous cells. |
Define: macrophages | Large phagocytic cells that engulf and digest pathogens, dead cells, and debris, playing a key role in both innate and adaptive immunity. Macrophages are essential for clearing infections and stimulating the immune response. |
Define: monocytes | A type of white blood cell that circulates in the bloodstream and can differentiate into macrophages or dendritic cells upon entering tissues. Monocytes migrate to tissues where they become macrophages. |
Define: dendritic cells | Professional antigen-presenting cells that capture and present antigens to T cells, initiating the adaptive immune response. Dendritic cells are crucial for linking the innate and adaptive immune systems. |
Define: neutrophils | The most abundant type of white blood cell that responds quickly to infections by engulfing and destroying pathogens through phagocytosis. Neutrophils are often the first responders to sites of infection. |
Define: eosinophils | A type of white blood cell involved in the response to parasitic infections and allergic reactions, typically associated with inflammation. Eosinophils increase in number during allergic reactions. |
Define: basophils | A type of white blood cell that releases histamine and other mediators during allergic reactions and inflammation. Basophils play a role in the body's response to allergens. |
Define: mast cells | Cells found in connective tissues that release histamine and other chemicals during inflammatory and allergic responses. Mass cells are involved in the rapid response to allergens. |
Define: antigen-presenting cells (APCs) | Cells that process and present antigens to T cells, including dendritic cells, macrophages, and B cells, essential for initiating an immune response. Antigen-presenting cells are crucial for activating T cells. |
Define: phagocytes | Cells that can engulf and digest pathogens and debris through the process of phagocytosis, including macrophages and neutrophils. Phagocytes play a key role in the body's defense against infection. |
Define: granulocytes | A category of white blood cells characterized by the presence of granules in their cytoplasm, including neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils. Granulocytes are important for the body's immune response. |
Define: megakaryocytes | Large bone marrow cells that produce platelets by shedding cytoplasmic fragments into the bloodstream. Megakaryocytes are crucial for maintaining normal blood clotting. |
Define: immunity | The ability of the body to resist infections and diseases through specific immune responses involving various cells and antibodies. Immunity can be acquired naturally or through vaccination. |
Define: innate immunity | The body's first line of defense against pathogens, consisting of physical barriers, immune cells, and chemical responses that act quickly and non-specifically. Innate immunity provides immediate protection against infections. |
Define: adaptive immunity | A specific immune response that develops over time, involving the activation of lymphocytes and the production of antibodies tailored to specific pathogens. Adaptive immunity provides long-lasting protection after exposure to a pathogen. |
Define: humoral immunity | A component of adaptive immunity that involves the production of antibodies by B cells to neutralize pathogens and toxins in body fluids. Humoral immunity is crucial for fighting extracellular pathogens. |
Define: cell-mediated immunity | A component of adaptive immunity that involves T cells targeting and destroying infected or cancerous cells directly. Cell-mediated immunity is important for eliminating intracellular pathogens. |
Define: antigen | Any substance that can provoke an immune response, typically by being recognized by antibodies or T cell receptors. The vaccine introduced a harmless antigen to stimulate an immune response. |
Define: antibody (immunoglobulin) | A protein produced by B cells that specifically binds to antigens, neutralizing them or marking them for destruction by other immune cells. Antibodies are crucial for identifying and neutralizing pathogens. |
Define: antigen receptor | Molecules found on the surface of B and T cells that recognize specific antigens and are essential for initiating an immune response. Each antigen receptor is unique to a specific antigen. |
Define: major histocompatibility complex (MHC) | A set of molecules displayed on cell surfaces that present antigens to T cells, crucial for recognizing self from non-self in the immune system. The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is vital for T cell activation. |