Innate Immune Defenses in the Body

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What characterizes the steady state (plateau) phase of antibody production?

Gradual decline in antibody levels

Shortened lag period

Rapid increase in antibody levels

Constant antibody levels (correct)

What is the main characteristic of the exponential phase of antibody production?

Constant antibody levels

Shortened lag period

Rapid increase in antibody levels (correct)

Gradual decline in antibody levels

Why does the antibody level gradually decline during the B-declining phase?

Decreased production of plasma cells (correct)

Rapid antigen entry

Constant secretion and degradation of antibodies

Increased production of new plasma cells

What is the term used for immune responses induced by a similar antigen during subsequent encounters?

Secondary immune responses Signup and view all the answers

Why does the lag period shorten during secondary immune responses?

Memory response from previous exposure Signup and view all the answers

What effect do secondary immune responses have on eliminating antigens?

Immediate elimination Signup and view all the answers

What role do sweat glands play in the body's defense against infections?

Secretion of sweat washes infections off due to high salt content Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following contains anti-bacterial properties due to lysozymes?

Tears Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of gut flora in preventing infections?

Secrete toxic substances to kill pathogens Signup and view all the answers

How do phagocytic white blood cells contribute to defense against infections?

Engulf and digest pathogens Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of specific immunity (Adaptive Immunity) in combating infections?

Involves production of antibodies against specific antigens Signup and view all the answers

How does mucus contribute to the body's defense system?

Traps infectious agents Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes Specific Immunity from Non-specific Immunity?

Specific immunity is effective against all invaders, while non-specific immunity is a highly focused response. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of immunity does not form a defensive memory?

Specific immunity Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of the complement system in the immune system?

To attack pathogens and kill cells Signup and view all the answers

When does a primary immune response occur?

When an antigen enters the body for the first time. Signup and view all the answers

How are the proteins of the complement system usually found in the blood?

Inactive precursors Signup and view all the answers

Which organ is primarily responsible for synthesizing the proteins of the complement system?

Liver Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the lag phase in primary immune responses?

It is the period when T cells and B cells are activated by immunogens. Signup and view all the answers

What happens when an antigen associates with one of the complement proteins?

It turns the protein into an effective form for attacking pathogens Signup and view all the answers

Which cells are involved in non-specific immunity?

Macrophages and T cells Signup and view all the answers

What is the final compound formed by the series of reactions in the complement system?

Membrane attack complex (C5-C9) Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes naturally acquired immunity from artificially acquired immunity?

Naturally acquired immunity occurs without intentional intervention, while artificially acquired immunity results from vaccination. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between primary and secondary immune responses?

The lag phase is shorter in the secondary response. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of immunity involves the activation of phagocytes and cytotoxic T-lymphocytes?

Cell-mediated immunity Signup and view all the answers

What is the protective function of immunization in humoral immunity?

Function in the humor (fluid or serum) Signup and view all the answers

Which type of cells does cell-mediated immunity primarily target?

Virus-infected cells Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of cell-mediated immunity in defending against infections?

Activating macrophages Signup and view all the answers

Which type of infection is cell-mediated immunity particularly effective against?