Antibodies, antigens and the process of phagocytosis

Antibodies, Antigens and the process of Phagocytosis
Terms of the Immune System
Corinne E. Preis

The Immune System
The processes of both the immune and lymphatic systems are some of the most complicated in the human body. They are our number one defense to keep our bodies performing at the optimal level and their proper function is essential to life itself.
The body has an amazing system of identifying self and non-self cells. Normally, the immune system co-exists with these cells easily, but when the immune system identifies a cell or groups of cells as “foreign” and attack is launched.

Antigens
Anything that triggers an immune response is called an Antigen. But, not all antigens trigger a response.
Antigens are usually proteins that include parts of bacteria, virus and other various microorganisms.
Other non-microorganism exogenous (non-self) antigens are pollen, proteins from transplanted tissue, egg whites, or on transfused white blood cells.

Antibodies
Antibodies are activated by specific antigens. They are proteins found in the blood and body fluids to identify and neutralize foreign cells, like viruses and bacteria.
Antibodies are produced by white blood cells and there are 5 types identified in the human body.
Antibodies and antigens fit together like a lock and key.
The antibody then “tags” the antigen for attack by the immune system, or neutralizes the part that causes infection.

Phagocytosis
Immune system cells are able to perform a process called Phagocytosis.
Phagocytes are white blood cells that fight infection by ingesting foreign particles, bacteria and dead cells.

There are four major stepsinphagocytosis:
1. Chemotaxis is the capacity to be attracted to a target and the ability to get there (motility).
2. Opsonization is the capacity to adhere to its target.
3. Engulfment is the capacity of the phagocyte to ingest its target.
4. Cidal capacity is the capacity to destroy the target.

The Immune System
Again, the immune system is one of the most complex within the human body. Every cell in our body participates in our immune system on some level.
The immune system functions primarily on an action-reaction basis, which can be influenced by lifestyle and mood, as well as pathogens and viruses.

Antibodies, antigens and the process of phagocytosis

by cpreis

Accessibility

Categories

Upload Details

Usage Rights

1 Embed 1

Statistics

Antibodies, antigens and the process of phagocytosis Presentation Transcript