Chapter 11: Human Immunity
What you need to learn in this chapter
In this chapter, we will learn about human immunity. We will start by understanding the body's defence mechanisms, immunity, antigens, and antibodies. We will explore the three lines of defence, which include physical and chemical barriers, fever, inflammation, and phagocytosis. We will also learn about the actions of antibodies on foreign antigens, such as neutralisation, agglutination, precipitation, opsonisation, and complement fixation. Next, we will discuss the different types of immunity, including passive immunity and active immunity. We will compare and contrast these two types of immunity. Lastly, we will study health issues related to immunity, focusing on Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). By the end of this chapter, we will have a better understanding of how our immune system works and the importance of maintaining a healthy immune system.
Topics in this chapter
1. Body Defence
What you will learn in this topic
- Define: (i) immunity. (ii) antigen. (iii) antibody
- Describe the three lines of body defence in humans: (i) first line of defence - physical - chemical (ii) second line of defence - fever - inflammation - phagocytosis (iii) third line of defence - antibody - memory cell
2. Actions of Antibodies
What you will learn in this topic
- Discuss the actions of antibodies on foreign antigens: (i) neutralisation. (ii) agglutination. (iii) precipitation. (iv) opsonisation. (v) complement fixation
3. Types of Immunity
What you will learn in this topic
- Communicate about the types of immunity: (i) passive immunity. (ii) active immunity
- Compare and contrast passive immunity and active immunity
4. Health Issues Related to Immunity
What you will learn in this topic
- Describe health issues related to Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
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