A&P 103B Innate Immune System Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What are the cells and proteins in the innate internal defense system?

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of Natural Killer (NK) cells?

NK cells attack infected or cancerous cells.

NK cells induce the target cell to undergo 'apoptosis' (cell suicide).

NK cells recognize abnormal or cancer cells by a specific antigen on their cell membrane. (correct)

NK cells attack transplanted organs.

Which of the following innate internal defenses work by interfering with viral replication?

Interferons (correct)

Phagocytes

Complement proteins

T lymphocytes

How do phagocytes recognize foreign cells or bacteria?

The phagocytes recognize molecules on pathogens not normally found on body cells. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the innate defense mechanisms can lyse bacteria and mark cells for phagocytosis?

Complement proteins Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following can act as opsonins on bacteria, thus enhancing phagocytosis?

Antibodies and complement proteins Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following inflammatory chemicals is released by mast cells?

Histamine Signup and view all the answers

Neutrophils flatten and squeeze between the endothelial cells of the capillary walls during what process?

Diapedesis Signup and view all the answers

How do interferons protect against infection in healthy cells?

Interferons block viral reproduction in healthy cells through the production of antiviral proteins. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a nonspecific internal defense against disease?

T cells Signup and view all the answers

When the white blood cell count is depressed, should the nurse avoid administering aspirin?

Yes, aspirin should be avoided because aspirin would disguise a fever that would indicate infection. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Cells and Proteins in the Innate Immune System

Innate immune system consists of various cells and proteins that provide immediate, non-specific defense against pathogens.

Natural Killer (NK) Cells

NK cells do not recognize cancer or abnormal cells via specific antigens; they identify the absence of normal "self" proteins.
Their functions include attacking infected or cancerous cells and inducing apoptosis.

Interferons and Viral Defense

Interferons are antimicrobial proteins produced by virus-infected cells.
They act by blocking viral replication in healthy neighboring cells, providing a protective barrier even as the infected cells die.

Phagocyte Recognition Mechanism

Phagocytes recognize pathogens through molecules on pathogens that are not present on body cells.
They employ mannose and Toll-like receptors to bind to these foreign molecules.

Role of Complement Proteins

Complement proteins can lyse bacteria using the membrane attack complex (MAC) and promote inflammation.
They also mark cells for phagocytosis through a process known as opsonization.

Opsonins and Phagocytosis

Antibodies and complement proteins enhance phagocytosis by acting as opsonins on bacteria.

Inflammatory Chemicals

Histamine is released by mast cells and plays a key role in inflammatory responses.

Diapedesis Process

Neutrophils travel through capillary walls—a process called diapedesis—allowing them to reach sites of infection or injury.

Antiviral Mechanism of Interferons

Interferons block viral reproduction in healthy cells by stimulating the production of antiviral proteins.

Specific vs. Nonspecific Defenses

T cells are part of the adaptive immune defenses and are specifically involved in cell-mediated immunity, unlike phagocytes and NK cells which are nonspecific.

Considerations for Aspirin Administration

Aspirin should be avoided in cases of depressed white blood cell counts as it may suppress fever, potentially masking an ongoing infection.

NK Cell Characteristics

NK cells can attack cells displaying abnormal MHC antigens and are found in various body sites including blood and lymphatic tissues.

Description

Test your knowledge on the cells and proteins involved in the innate immune response with these engaging flashcards. Dive into the characteristics of Natural Killer (NK) cells and their functions in the immune system. Perfect for A&P 103B and advance your understanding of innate immunity.