Immune System

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What is an antigen?

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An antigen is a foreign substance that induces an immune response in the body, typically by triggering the production of antibodies.

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What is a pathogen?

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

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What is the immune response?

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The immune response is the body's defense mechanism that reacts specifically to each kind of pathogen.

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What are antibodies?

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Antibodies are proteins produced by the immune system that specifically recognize and bind to antigens.

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What is the role of phagocytes in the immune system?

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Phagocytes are a type of white blood cell that engulfs and digests pathogens and debris.

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What is the difference between innate and adaptive immunity?

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Innate immunity is the body's first line of defense, providing immediate but non-specific protection, while adaptive immunity develops over time and provides specific responses to pathogens.

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What is the function of the inflammatory response?

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The inflammatory response is a protective reaction that increases blood flow to an area of injury or infection, bringing immune cells to fight pathogens.

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What are the two main types of white blood cells involved in the immune response?

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The two main types of white blood cells are B cells, which produce antibodies, and T cells, which destroy infected cells.

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How do vaccines work?

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Vaccines work by introducing a harmless form of an antigen into the body, prompting the immune system to develop a memory of the pathogen without causing disease.

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What is herd immunity?

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Herd immunity occurs when a large percentage of a population becomes immune to a disease, making its spread unlikely.