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Questions and Answers
Which of these are NOT considered openings in the body, allowing pathogens to enter?
Which of these are NOT considered openings in the body, allowing pathogens to enter?
The immune system's 'memory' is crucial in preventing future infections by recognizing and targeting specific pathogens.
The immune system's 'memory' is crucial in preventing future infections by recognizing and targeting specific pathogens.
True (A)
What is the primary function of NK cells in the immune system?
What is the primary function of NK cells in the immune system?
NK cells, or Natural Killer cells, destroy cells infected by viruses.
The main response to pathogens entering the body is ______, which concentrates immune cells at the site of infection.
The main response to pathogens entering the body is ______, which concentrates immune cells at the site of infection.
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Match the type of white blood cell with its primary function:
Match the type of white blood cell with its primary function:
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Which of these are NOT considered part of the first line of defense in the immune system?
Which of these are NOT considered part of the first line of defense in the immune system?
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Cancer, as opposed to pathogens, is primarily an evolutionary consequence of mutations accumulating after the reproductive period.
Cancer, as opposed to pathogens, is primarily an evolutionary consequence of mutations accumulating after the reproductive period.
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Explain how Thucydides' observation about people who had recovered from a disease contributed to our understanding of the immune system.
Explain how Thucydides' observation about people who had recovered from a disease contributed to our understanding of the immune system.
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Passive vaccination involves the body producing its own immune response.
Passive vaccination involves the body producing its own immune response.
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Which of the following is NOT a target of the immune system?
Which of the following is NOT a target of the immune system?
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What type of immune response is typically required to combat intracellular infections?
What type of immune response is typically required to combat intracellular infections?
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An organism that must live and reproduce within a host organism to survive is called an ______.
An organism that must live and reproduce within a host organism to survive is called an ______.
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Match the following cells of the immune system with their functions:
Match the following cells of the immune system with their functions:
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Which type of cell is the first to reach an infected area and is highly flexible?
Which type of cell is the first to reach an infected area and is highly flexible?
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Phagocytosis is a specialized process used for defense and cleaning, while endocytosis is a general process.
Phagocytosis is a specialized process used for defense and cleaning, while endocytosis is a general process.
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What is the main function of macrophages in the immune system?
What is the main function of macrophages in the immune system?
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Monocytes differentiate into ____ in response to infection or inflammation.
Monocytes differentiate into ____ in response to infection or inflammation.
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Which type of cell is involved in the communication between innate and adaptive immunity?
Which type of cell is involved in the communication between innate and adaptive immunity?
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Granulocytes perform exocytosis because their toxins are harmless to the cell.
Granulocytes perform exocytosis because their toxins are harmless to the cell.
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What is the role of eosinophils in allergic responses?
What is the role of eosinophils in allergic responses?
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Which of the following cells are responsible for secreting antibodies?
Which of the following cells are responsible for secreting antibodies?
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The third line of defense involves a general, non-specific response to any pathogens.
The third line of defense involves a general, non-specific response to any pathogens.
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What is the role of dendritic cells in the immune response?
What is the role of dendritic cells in the immune response?
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The first line of defense includes the ______ and mucous membranes.
The first line of defense includes the ______ and mucous membranes.
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Match the following immune cells with their primary function:
Match the following immune cells with their primary function:
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Which of the following is NOT a component of the first line of defense?
Which of the following is NOT a component of the first line of defense?
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Inflammation is a key component of the third line of defense, the adaptive immune response.
Inflammation is a key component of the third line of defense, the adaptive immune response.
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What is the role of the adaptive immune response in fighting pathogens?
What is the role of the adaptive immune response in fighting pathogens?
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Which type of immune cell is responsible for releasing antibodies that act as receptors, targeting specific antigens?
Which type of immune cell is responsible for releasing antibodies that act as receptors, targeting specific antigens?
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Innate immunity is characterized by its rapid but less targeted response compared to adaptive immunity.
Innate immunity is characterized by its rapid but less targeted response compared to adaptive immunity.
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What is the role of natural killer cells in the immune system?
What is the role of natural killer cells in the immune system?
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The ______ response is characterized by a rapid and strong antibody production due to the immune system's memory of previous exposure to the same antigen.
The ______ response is characterized by a rapid and strong antibody production due to the immune system's memory of previous exposure to the same antigen.
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Match the immune cell type with its primary function:
Match the immune cell type with its primary function:
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Adaptive immunity can be activated independently of the innate immune system.
Adaptive immunity can be activated independently of the innate immune system.
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Describe the difference between primary and secondary immune responses.
Describe the difference between primary and secondary immune responses.
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Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of adaptive immunity?
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of adaptive immunity?
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Which of the following immune cells are primarily responsible for killing infected cells in the early stages of a viral infection?
Which of the following immune cells are primarily responsible for killing infected cells in the early stages of a viral infection?
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Innate immunity relies on specific antigen recognition to target and destroy pathogens.
Innate immunity relies on specific antigen recognition to target and destroy pathogens.
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What is the primary role of cytokines in the immune response?
What is the primary role of cytokines in the immune response?
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The ______ immune response is much more rapid and effective upon re-exposure to the same antigen due to the presence of immunological memory.
The ______ immune response is much more rapid and effective upon re-exposure to the same antigen due to the presence of immunological memory.
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Match the immune cells with their primary functions:
Match the immune cells with their primary functions:
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Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the adaptive immune response?
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the adaptive immune response?
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Antigen-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) are actively involved in the early stages of the innate immune response.
Antigen-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) are actively involved in the early stages of the innate immune response.
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Describe the role of the immune system in maintaining self-tolerance.
Describe the role of the immune system in maintaining self-tolerance.
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Study Notes
Introduction
- Thucydides recognised people who got sick from a disease once weren't reinfected.
- The immune system protects against microscopic pathogens (bacteria, fungi, viruses).
- Distinct evolutionary impacts of cancer and pathogens.
- Cancer, often after the reproductive period, has little evolutionary impact.
- Pathogens influence natural selection by favouring resistant individuals.
- The immune system assists in tissue repair and regeneration.
Defence Lines Immune System
- First line: Skin, tears, eyelashes, acid secretions prevent pathogen entry.
- Most pathogens don't enter but some use bodily openings as entry points.
- Second line: White blood cells target pathogens entering the body.
- Inflammation focuses on the infection site. Diverse white blood cells (leukocytes) have specific roles: Natural Killer (NK) cells kill infected cells; phagocytic cells engulf and destroy pathogens; granulocytes release toxins to kill large pathogens.
Immune Defence Processes
- First line intact: Skin/mucous membranes prevent pathogen entry. Macrophages and dendritic cells monitor tissues.
- Barrier breakdown: Injury or infection lets pathogens in. Macrophages activate inflammation.
- Arrival of white blood cells: Blood vessels widen to allow cell passage. Macrophages and dendritic cells engulf pathogens.
- Third line activation: Dendritic cells alert lymphocytes, stimulating antibody production and killer cell activation. B cells produce antibodies. T cells destroy infected cells.
- Immune Memory: Trained lymphocytes rapidly respond to repeated pathogen attack.
Great Figures in Immunology
- Edward Jenner (1749-1823): Discovered that cowpox infection provided protection against smallpox. Developed the first vaccine.
- Louis Pasteur (1822-1895): Microorganisms cause diseases. Developed rabies, anthrax, and cholera vaccines.
- Emil von Behring: Demonstrated effective use of antibodies for disease treatments via passive vaccination.
Active vs Passive Vaccination
- Active: Introduces a weakened pathogen to stimulate an immune response, creating long-term immunity
- Passive: Administer pre-made antibodies for immediate, short-term protection; does not stimulate long-term immunity
Targets of the Immune System
- Intracellular infections hide within cells, requiring strong cell-mediated responses (e.g., T cells). Extracellular pathogens are easier to target.
Cells of the Immune System
- Phagocytes (e.g., macrophages, neutrophils) engulf and destroy pathogens.
- Neutrophils: Granulocyte, rapid response (4-6 hours), flexible, penetrate infected tissues.
- Dendritic cells: Capture pathogens and present antigens to activate adaptive immunity
- Granulocytes: Perform exocytosis (release toxins) to fight pathogens, dangerous to the cell due to released toxins.
Types of Immune System Cells
- Eosinophils: Fight multicellular parasites, involved in allergic responses.
- Basophils: Inflammation mediators; participate in allergic reactions.
- Mast cells: Release chemical mediators (e.g., histamine) during immune reactions.
- Lymphocytes: crucial for adaptive immunity.
- T cells (kill infected cells, helper cells)
- B cells (produce antibodies)
- Natural killer (NK) cells kill infected cells without needing further instructions.
Summary of Cells
- Leukocytes (white blood cells) originate from hematopoietic stem cells.
- Phagocytes (macrophages, dendritic cells, neutrophils), monocytes, granulocytes (eosinophils, basophils, mast cells), and lymphocytes (T cells, B cells, and NK cells)
Immune System Divisions
- Innate: Includes natural killer cells and phagocytes; provides immediate, non-specific defense.
- Adaptive (Acquired): Includes B and T cells; provides targeted, specific, and long-lasting immunity against diseases.
- Barrier: Skin, soluble proteins (e.g., complement).
- Mediators: Substances like IL-1 and TNF-alpha.
Primary vs Secondary Immune Responses
- Primary: First exposure to an antigen; slower response, lower antibody concentration.
- Secondary: Subsequent exposure to the same antigen; faster, stronger response, higher antibody concentration due to immune memory.
Cytokine Concentration
- Cytokine levels increase with exposure, signalling immune activity.
- Innate response generates non-specific defense via cytokines.
- Adaptive response produces faster, stronger immunity upon re-exposure
Adaptive Immunity
- Initial immune response (7-14 days): Antibodies and T cells target infection, leading to short-term protection
- Protective immunity (14-35 days): Antibodies and effector cells prevent reinfection; immune system doesn't return to a steady state.
- Immunological memory (months/years): Rapid, intense response for repeated infection, minimal symptoms, and often asymptomatic infections.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the immune system's functioning and components. This quiz will cover topics such as immune responses, types of white blood cells, and the role of memory in immunity. Whether you're a student or just curious about immunology, this quiz will challenge your understanding.