ACTIVITY 1
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Briefly describe the process of inflammation in an area that has been traumatized.
Inflammation, a dynamic response to tissue damage, serves as the body's defense mechanism against various threats like pathogens or trauma. Triggered by factors such as abrasions or chemical irritations, its goal is to eliminate threats, prevent their spread, and initiate tissue repair.
The initiation involves three stages: vasodilation, emigration of phagocytes, and tissue repair. Vasodilation allows increased blood flow, crucial for delivering defensive proteins. Substances like histamine and complement orchestrate these changes, inducing vasodilation and attracting immune cells.
Emigration of phagocytes, primarily neutrophils, marks the second stage. They adhere to vessel walls, migrate to the site via chemotaxis, ensuring a continuous supply for phagocytosis. Monocytes follow, transforming into macrophages that contribute to prolonged defense and tissue repair.
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Choose one type of Immunity (Innate and Humoral) and explain how its mechanism protects our body.
Innate immunity stands as the initial and immediate line of defense, acting rapidly to protect the host from a multitude of potential threats. It comprises various components, including physical and anatomical barriers like tight junctions and mucous membranes, enzymes and proteins like lysozyme and complement, and cellular defenders such as phagocytes. These elements work together seamlessly to form a robust defense system.
The mechanism of defense involves the rapid recognition of pathogens breaching natural barriers, triggering a signaling cascade that amplifies the immune response. The objectives are clear: prevent infection, eliminate invading pathogens, and, if needed, prime the adaptive immune response.
References:
Aristizábal, B. (2013, July 18). Innate immune system. Autoimmunity - NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459455/
Tortora, G. J., & Derrickson, B. H. (2018). Principles of anatomy and physiology. John Wiley & Sons.