Bryan Valle Period 2

Basic functions of the human immune system  The human immune system is made up of several interdependent cell types which protect the human body from a variety of parasitic, fungal, bacterial and viral infections, as well as from the growth of tumor cells.  These cell types have specialized functions, are able to kill parasites, engulf bacteria, or kill tumor cells or viral-infected cells.

Nonspecific immune response  Nonspecific immune response is the first and second line of defense when a foreign object tries to enter or has entered the body.  Examples of nonspecific immune responses are Skin, Mucous membranes, Phagocytic cells, Antimicrobial proteins, and the inflammatory response.

Specific immune response  The immune system’s specific defenses distinguish between “self” and “other”, and they inactivate or kill any foreign substance or cell that enters the body.  Specific defenses respond to a particular pathogen.

Basic functions of vaccines  Vaccines are drugs used to increase the body's ability to combat disease organisms.  Vaccines work by mimicking disease agents and stimulating the immune system to build up defenses against them.

Basic functions of antibiotics  Antibiotics work in two different ways, either by killing the bacteria or blocking its function.  Antibiotics only attack the bacteria present in the body that’s causing the disease, they do not affect the cell of the body.

Significance of genetic factors on health  Genes affect our chances of having several common illnesses, like heart disease, asthma and diabetes.

Significance of environmental factors on health.  Some positive environmental factors on health are soil quality, biodiversity, the ozone layer, and waste recycling and disposal.  Some negative environmental factors are floods, droughts, natural disasters, pollen, and pollution.

Significance of pathogenic agents on health  Pathogenic agents are any substance or condition that causes disease like genetic defects and toxins.  Pathogenic agents can cause disease and can spread through personal contact and water.