Cells and Tissues of the Immune System Key Words

• Leukocytes: another name for white blood cell, includes many different types
• B lymphocytes: express antibodies (immunoglobulins) on their surface and produce (specific) antibodies
• T lymphocytes: have T receptors on surface and produce cytokines on cytotoxic molecules. Must be activated with
antigen on an MHC
• Natural Killer Cells: Large granular lymphocytes with non-specific recognition. Check self cells for abnormalities
(linked to cancer or a virus, usually). Usually do not kill self while killing abnormal cells
• Antigen Presenting Cell: presents antibodies complexed with MHC on its surface
• Monocytes/macrophages: phagocytize foreign particles and digest objects in lysosome. Produce factors that
recruit or activate other effector cells
• Phagocytosis: process of phagocytes and protists by engulfing solid particles by the cell membrane to form an
internal food vacuole. Used to remove pathogens and cell debris
• Opsonins: Gravy! any molecule that acts as a binding enhancer for phagocytosis
• Granulocytes: Leukocytes with cytoplasmic granules, usually involved in inflammatory response
• Neutrophils: Most numerous of granulocytes with a lobed nucleus
• Eosinophils: FC receptors for IgE that are found in sites of hyper sensitivity (allergies), known for being effective
against parasites
• Hematopoiesis: formation of blood cellular components
• Lymph nodes: ‘hubs’ of the lymphatic system, collect antigens from the skin, GI tract, and respiratory tract to
interact with lymphocytes
• Spleen: produces lymphocytes during gestation in humans, continues to produce opsonins into adulthood
• Lymphocyte trafficking: the action of collecting antigens and moving them to the nearest lymph node
• Chemotaxis: a chemical ‘homing signal’

2009-11-26