Innate Immune System Quiz

Innate Immunity Overview

• Innate immunity consists of defenses that are present at birth, offering the first line of protection against pathogens.

External Physical and Chemical Barriers

• Skin acts as the primary physical barrier, preventing pathogen entry.
• Mucous membranes also function as a physical barrier by trapping pathogens and debris.
• Chemical barriers include antimicrobial peptides and enzymes, which provide additional protection against pathogens.
• An example of something that is NOT an external barrier would be internal immune responses like phagocytosis.

Internal Defenses

• Internal defenses include mechanisms such as the action of white blood cells, inflammation, and fever.
• An example of something that is NOT an internal defense is a physical barrier like skin.

First Line of Defense

• The skin and mucous membranes are crucial physical barriers, serving as the body’s first line of defense against pathogens.
• Chemical barriers like stomach acid and enzymes in saliva also act as initial defenses to neutralize invading pathogens.

Second Line of Defense

• The second line of defense includes internal mechanisms like inflammation, fever, and the activity of immune cells.
• Components NOT included in the second line of defense may involve external barriers and non-specific mechanisms that do not directly act against pathogens.

Purpose of Inflammation

• Inflammation aims to localize and eliminate pathogens, as well as promote healing and tissue repair.
• It increases blood flow to affected areas, allowing immune cells to reach and combat potential threats more effectively.

Conditions Triggering Inflammation

• Inflammation can be triggered by various factors including infection, injury, allergens, and irritants.
• Physical damage or microbial invasion often leads to an inflammatory response to guard against further harm to the body.