Immunity and Its Components

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Questions and Answers

What best describes immunity?

A way to make your body sick.

The process of getting vaccines only.

A method of breathing properly.

The body's ability to protect against diseases. (correct)

Which part of the immune system acts as the body's first line of defense?

Lymphatic system.

Skin. (correct)

White blood cells.

Lungs.

How does the immune system respond to a germ it has encountered before?

It remembers how to fight the infection. (correct)

It forgets how to fight it.

It creates more germs.

It becomes weaker.

Which of the following is NOT considered a part of the immune system?

Liver. Signup and view all the answers

What role do mucous membranes play in the immune system?

They act as barriers to germs. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to immunity as a person ages?

It generally increases over time. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the immune system is accurate?

The immune system can remember previous infections. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of white blood cells in the immune system?

To attack and destroy harmful pathogens. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of lymph?

To look out for and destroy foreign materials Signup and view all the answers

Where in the body are lymph nodes primarily located?

Along lymph vessels throughout the body Signup and view all the answers

What role do the enzymes in saliva play?

They break down cell walls of bacteria. Signup and view all the answers

Which organ is responsible for producing all types of blood cells?

Bone marrow Signup and view all the answers

What role do macrophages play in the immune system?

Seek out and destroy bacteria and viruses Signup and view all the answers

How does mucous contribute to the body's defense mechanisms?

By trapping bacteria, viruses, and dust. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of platelets in the blood?

Help the blood to clot Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of stomach acid?

To kill most germs and aid in digestion. Signup and view all the answers

What is lymph primarily composed of?

White blood cells and clear fluid. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following white blood cells are known to move around in the bloodstream seeking out foreign materials?

Neutrophils Signup and view all the answers

What are lymph nodes responsible for?

Filtering and destroying bacteria and viruses. Signup and view all the answers

What does plasma primarily provide to the body?

Energy and nutrients Signup and view all the answers

What function does the thymus serve in the immune system?

It trains T cells to fight infections. Signup and view all the answers

Which organ is responsible for killing germs that may enter the throat?

Tonsils Signup and view all the answers

How does the spleen contribute to the body's immune response?

By clearing out worn out blood cells and fighting off infection. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to lymph nodes when they are swollen?

They show they are actively fighting bacteria or viruses. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of B cells in the immune system?

They produce antibodies to combat germs. Signup and view all the answers

What do T cells primarily target in the immune response?

Infected or abnormal body cells. Signup and view all the answers

What do antibodies do once produced by B cells?

They help other cells recognize and target the germs. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of white blood cell is responsible for cleaning up pus?

Neutrophils Signup and view all the answers

How does the immune system distinguish between friendly and harmful bacteria?

By recognizing specific markers on the cells. Signup and view all the answers

What happens when B cells encounter the specific germ they are 'watching out' for?

They produce more antibodies. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes neutrophils in the immune response?

They are the first responders to microbial infection. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a function of the white blood cells mentioned?

Transporting nutrients. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of friendly bacteria in the bowel?

To help digest food and provide nutrients Signup and view all the answers

How does the immune system recognize cells that do not belong in the body?

Through a system of antigens Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of antibodies in the immune system?

To tag invaders for destruction Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes white blood cells from red blood cells?

White blood cells vary in shape and function Signup and view all the answers

What happens when the immune system encounters blood cells that do not match its own?

It attacks and destroys them Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following options describes a strong immune system?

An immune system functioning effectively and efficiently Signup and view all the answers

What role do lymphocytes play in the immune system?

They produce antibodies Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes antigens?

Markers that identify foreign invaders Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Immunity

Immunity is the body's natural defence against diseases and germs.
The body’s immune system works to get rid of germs when you get sick and remembers how to fight the same germ if it comes again.

Parts of the Immune System

The immune system includes the skin, tonsils, adenoids, sinuses, lungs, bowel, white blood cells and the lymphatic system.

Skin

The skin is the first line of defence against germs, acting as a barrier.
Special cells in the epidermis warn the body about incoming germs.
Glands in the skin secrete substances that can kill some bacteria.
Damaged skin, such as cuts or grazes, allows germs to enter.

Nose, Mouth, Eyes, Ears, Lungs and Bowel

Mucous membranes lining these areas act as a barrier to germs.
Saliva and tears contain enzymes that break down the cell walls of bacteria and viruses.
Mucus traps bacteria, viruses and dust.
Stomach acid kills most germs.

Lymphatic System

The lymphatic system is made up of lymph, lymph nodes, spleen, thymus, bone marrow, adenoids and tonsils.
Lymph is a clear fluid that carries white blood cells around the body and collects bacteria or viruses to be filtered out and destroyed in the lymph nodes.
The spleen clears out worn-out blood cells and fights infection.
The thymus trains T cells to recognize and destroy germs.
Bone marrow produces blood cells.
Adenoids keep infection out of the ears.
Tonsils kill germs that may enter the throat.
Lymph vessels carry lymph fluid around the body.

Blood

Blood consists of plasma, red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets.
Plasma helps with energy and growth.
Red blood cells carry oxygen.
White blood cells fight germs and clean the blood.
Platelets help blood clot.

White Blood Cells

White blood cells fight bacteria and viruses.
Different types of white blood cells include neutrophils, macrophages, lymphocytes, B cells and T cells.
Neutrophils seek out foreign material in the blood.
Macrophages clean the body and help clear up damaged white blood cells.
Lymphocytes work on bacterial and viral infections.
B cells produce antibodies to target specific germs.
T cells destroy invading germs and abnormal cells.

How the Immune System Recognizes Cells

Friendly bacteria on the body’s surfaces help with digestion and other processes.
The immune system does not attack these friendly bacteria.
Antibodies tag invading germs so other white blood cells can destroy them.
The immune system recognizes cells that belong to the body by their unique antigens.
Cells without the correct antigens are considered foreign and attacked.

Building a Strong Immune System

A strong immune system is one that functions effectively.

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Description

This quiz covers the immune system's role and its various parts, including the skin, lymphatic system, and mucous membranes. It will delve into how these components work together to defend the body against diseases and germs. Test your knowledge on how the immune system protects you!