13.2 Immune System

They fight infection by causing pathogens to clump, by making them ineffective, or by activating complement proteins

What are three ways that antibodies help fight infection?

immune system

body system that consists of organs, cells, and molecules that fight infections

inherited immunity

immunity passed from a mother to a fetus or through mother's milk

passive immunity

immunity that is transferred through DNA, the placenta, or mother's milk, passed down from person to person

active immunity

immunity that occurs when a pathogen enters the body and prevents a person from getting sick by the same pathogen

genetic immunity

immunity transferred through DNA

basophils (B cells)

release chemicals called histamines in response to the invasion

circulatory system

- transports white blood cells to the infection site - fights against pathogens entering the body through a cut

skin

-prevents fungus/bacteria from growing on your body -provides a physical barrier that pathogens have to get through

Interferon interferes with an infection.

Interferon is similar to the word interference. How can this clue help you remember what interferon means?

mucus membrane

traps pathogens so they cannot enter through the nose

A phagocyte is a cell that eats other cells

The word phagocyte comes from two Greek words: phago- means "to eat" and -cyte means cell. How can this help you remember the definition of the word phagocyte?