14 Questions
Which type of white blood cell is involved in the second line of defense?
Neutrophils
What is the primary function of natural killer (NK) cells?
Killing cancer cells and virus-infected cells
How do natural killer (NK) cells identify their targets?
By recognizing cell surface carbohydrates on target cells
Which group of proteins work by attacking microorganisms directly or by inhibiting their reproduction?
Interferon and complement proteins
What is the main role of interferon in the body?
Activating macrophages and mobilizing NK cells
Which proteins are part of the complement system when activated helps destroy pathogens and enhance the inflammatory response?
C1, C2, C9
What is the primary function of adaptive immunity?
Clearing specific foreign matter
What does the immune system primarily protect against?
Invading microorganisms, cancer cells, and transplanted organs/grafts
Which type of immunity involves B cells?
Humoral immunity
What is the purpose of leukocytosis in the body's defense mechanisms?
To increase numbers of white blood cells in the bloodstream
Which of the following is NOT an example of protective chemicals in the skin and mucous membranes?
Release of cortisol from adrenal glands
What is the primary function of natural killer (NK) cells in innate immunity?
Destroy infected body cells
What is the physiological response to tissue injury that results in signs of inflammation?
Vasodilation of arterioles
Which type of immunity involves T cells?
Cellular immunity
Study Notes
Immune System Overview
- The second line of defense involves natural killer (NK) cells, a type of white blood cell crucial in the innate immune response.
- Natural killer (NK) cells primarily function to identify and destroy infected or cancerous cells by inducing apoptosis (programmed cell death).
Target Identification by NK Cells
- Natural killer cells recognize their targets through the detection of abnormal markers on the surface of infected or malignant cells, distinguishing them from healthy cells.
Microbial Defense Proteins
- Antimicrobial proteins work by attacking microorganisms directly or inhibiting their reproduction, thereby enhancing the body’s innate defense mechanisms.
Role of Interferon
- Interferon plays a vital role in the immune response by signaling neighboring cells to enhance their antiviral defenses and activating immune cells, particularly NK cells and macrophages.
Complement System Proteins
- The complement system consists of a group of proteins that, when activated, help destroy pathogens and amplify the inflammatory response, enhancing the ability of antibodies to clear infections.
Function of Adaptive Immunity
- The primary function of adaptive immunity is to provide a specific defense against pathogens, allowing for a targeted immune response and the development of immunological memory for future encounters.
Protection Against Pathogens
- The immune system primarily protects against infectious agents, including viruses, bacteria, and parasites, as well as potential tumors.
B Cell Involvement
- Humoral immunity, a component of adaptive immunity, involves B cells which are responsible for producing antibodies that target specific antigens.
Purpose of Leukocytosis
- Leukocytosis is an increase in white blood cell count, serving as a protective mechanism to enhance the body's defense against infections and facilitate tissue repair.
Protective Chemicals
- An example of a protective chemical in skin and mucous membranes that is NOT included is antibodies, which are primarily associated with adaptive immunity rather than immediate physical barriers.
Function of NK Cells in Innate Immunity
- In innate immunity, the primary function of NK cells is to detect and eliminate cells that display signs of stress or infection without prior sensitization.
Inflammatory Response
- Inflammation is a physiological response to tissue injury characterized by redness, swelling, heat, and pain, initiated to protect and heal affected areas.
T Cell Involvement
- Cell-mediated immunity, a part of adaptive immunity, involves T cells, which are responsible for directly attacking infected or cancerous cells and coordinating the immune response.
Test your knowledge of the body's defense mechanisms against external and internal insults, including lymphocytes, cytokines, MHCs, humoral vs cell-mediated immunity, and innate and adaptive immunity. Explore the two intrinsic defense systems and their cooperative role in protecting the body from diseases.
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