Immune System Big Picture (A&P)

The first job of the immune system is to _ pathogens (identify the threat).

The immune system can simply deflect pathogens, but primarily it attempts to _ them (remove the threat).

Some cells will inevitably get infected by pathogens. It is the job of the immune system to kill these cells in order to stop the _ of the infection.

In addition to killing pathogens or cells infected by them, the immune system has a "side gig" in killing _ cells (those found in tumors).

The immune system kills cancerous cells in tumors in order to stop _ (the spread of cancer).

Pathogens are anything that cause _.

_, microscopic infectious agents, are a major type of pathogen (others include protozoa, fungi, parasites, and prions).

_, microscopic organisms, are a major type of pathogen (others include protozoa, fungi, parasites, and prions).

Viruses contain _ (DNA or RNA), proteins, and various structural components.

Viruses kill or compromise the activity of cells when they enter inside and start _.