Science
Active immunity
Immunity given by antibodies made by the immune system, in response to an antigen. Active immunity. Active immunity is when your body learns to defend itself by making its own antibodies after being exposed to a disease.
Allergy
A disorder where the immune system responds too strongly to a substance. Allergy is when your body reacts excessively to something harmless, like pollen or certain foods.
Antibiotic
A chemical that kills bacteria and other microorganisms, or slows their growth. Antibiotic. An antibiotic is a medicine that helps fight infections caused by bacteria.
Antibody
A protein that destroys specific antigens, it is made by B cells. Antibody. An antibody is a tiny soldier in your body that helps fight off germs and infections.
Antigen
A foreign substance that causes a reaction from the bodys immune system. Antigen. An antigen is a molecule or pathogen that triggers the body's immune response to fight it off.
B cell
A white blood cell that makes antibodies, also called a B lymphocyte. B cell. B cells are a type of immune cell that helps protect the body by producing antibodies to fight off infections.
Epidemic
Large outbreak of disease in a specific area. Epidemic. An epidemic is when many people in a community get an infectious disease at the same time.
Germ theory
The theory that infectious diseases are caused by microorganisms or germs. Germ theory. Germ theory is the idea that tiny organisms called germs cause diseases in humans, animals, and plants.
Histamine
A chemical that increases the flow of blood and fluids, it is secreted by mast cells. Histamine. Histamine is a natural chemical in the body that helps fight allergies by causing symptoms like sneezing and itching.
Humoral immunity
Immunity against antigens in body fluids such as blood and lymph. Humoral immunity. Humoral immunity is the part of the immune system that uses antibodies in blood and lymph to fight off bacteria and viruses.
Immune system
The cells and tissues of the body that fight invading organisms. Immune system. The immune system is the body's defense network that protects against germs and infections.
Immunity
The bodys resistance to disease. Immunity. Immunity is the body's natural ability to recognize and defend against harmful bacteria, viruses, and other invaders.
Infectious disease
A disease that is spread by pathogens, from an infected organism or the environment. Infectious disease. An infectious disease is an illness caused by germs that spread from person to person or through the environment.
Interferon
A protein that prevents viruses from replicating in infected cells. Interferon. Interferon is a natural compound in the body that helps fight viral infections by boosting the immune system.
Kochs postulate
A set of guidelines for identifying the pathogen that causes a specific disease. Koch's postulates are criteria used to establish a relationship between a microbe and a disease.
Memory cell
A B cell that develops immunity to an antigen after their first encounter. Memory cell. A memory cell is a specialized immune cell that remembers a pathogen and responds quickly if the body encounters it again.
Passive immunity
Temporary immunity gained from antibodies given to a person, not produced by them. Passive immunity. Passive immunity is when your body receives ready-made antibodies to fight off infections.
Pathogen
A disease-causing agent, like a bacteria, virus, or parasite. Pathogen. A pathogen is a microorganism that can cause illness in humans or other organisms.
T cell
A lymphocyte that identifies pathogens and attacks infected cells, it matures in the thymus. T cell. T cells are immune cells that help protect the body by targeting and destroying infected cells.
Vaccination
The injection of a mild pathogen into a body to produce immunity. Vaccination. It teaches the immune system to recognize and fight specific germs to prevent future illness.
Vaccine
A substance made of weakened or dead pathogens, it gives the body immunity against disease. Vaccine. A vaccine helps the body recognize and fight specific germs more effectively.
Vector
Organism that transfers pathogens between hosts Biology. Vector. A vector is a living organism that carries and spreads germs or disease from one host to another.
