The Lines of Defense

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What is the primary function of the epidermal layer of the skin?

To provide a barrier against microorganisms (correct)
To regulate body temperature
To facilitate gas exchange
To store nutrients and energy

What is the name of the protein that forms a waterproof protective layer in the skin?

Hyaluronic acid
Keratin (correct)
Collagen
Elastin

Which of the following structures impede water loss and microbial penetration in the skin?

Gap junctions
Desmosomes
Adherens junctions
Tight junctions (correct)

What are the three passageways that penetrate into the body's interior and provide a route for microbes to enter?

Respiratory, digestive, and urinary tracts (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the process by which epidermal cells are produced and replaced?

Cell division and differentiation (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the major function of the dermis layer of the skin?

To provide a rich vascular supply (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of pyrogens in the body?

To regulate the body's temperature (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of a severe fever on vital body proteins?

They are denatured (coagulated) (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of mild fevers on the spleen and liver?

They remove additional iron from the blood (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of macrophages in the immune response?

They phagocytize dead cells, cell fragments, dead bacteria, and viruses (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of fever on the replication of disease-causing bacteria?

It reduces their replication (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the source of some interferons in the body?

Cells infected by viruses (C) Signup and view all the answers

What can tiny breaks in the skin or in the lining of the respiratory, digestive, or urinary tracts permit to enter the body?

Potentially harmful microorganisms (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is characterized by redness, swelling, and pain?

The inflammatory response (B) Signup and view all the answers

What type of cells are attracted to the wound site by certain chemical substances released by injured tissue?

Macrophages and neutrophils (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the yellowish fluid that exudes from the wound, containing dead white blood cells, microorganisms, and cellular debris?

Pus (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of macrophages and neutrophils at the wound site?

To engulf bacteria (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the heat given off by a wound, which refers to the inflammatory response?

Inflammatory (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of the membrane-attack complex embedding in the plasma membrane of bacteria?

It creates an opening into which water flows. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of some activated complement proteins in the inflammatory response?

To stimulate the dilation of blood vessels (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the C3b protein in the immune response?

It forms a rough coat on microorganisms to facilitate phagocytosis (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of certain complement proteins in the immune response?

They act as chemical attractants, drawing macrophages and neutrophils to the site of infection (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of the immune system as a third line of defense?

It is a diffuse system, spread out and indistinct (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of lymphocytes in the immune system?

They are part of the immune system (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the immune system?

To eliminate foreign organisms and substances (B) Signup and view all the answers

Where can immune cells be found in the body?

In the blood, lymph, and lymphoid organs (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the benefits of optimal immune system function?

Reduced risk of cancer and other severe illnesses (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the immune system in preventing disease?

It helps to eliminate foreign substances and organisms (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a function of the immune system?

Regulating body temperature (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between nutrition and immune system function?

Optimal nutrition is required for optimal immune system function (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism by which interferons regulate cancer cell growth?

By regulating the expression of genes that suppress the production of certain cellular proteins that stimulate growth (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of using recombinant DNA technology in the production of interferons?

To mass produce proteins in the laboratory (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the estimated percentage of patients who experience side effects from interferon therapy?

50% (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the mechanism by which the complement system is activated?

Through a chain reaction triggered by the activation of one complement protein (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the complement proteins in the immune system?

To complement the action of antibodies (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the outcome of the chain reaction triggered by the activation of the complement system?

The destruction of foreign cells through the formation of a membrane-attack complex (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of high doses of interferon on liver function?

It can lead to liver failure (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of administering pain medications and antihistamines to patients receiving interferon therapy?

To reduce the side effects of interferon therapy (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between the complement system and antibody production?

The complement system complements the action of antibodies (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the reason why the side effects of interferon therapy typically decrease after repeated injections?

The body becomes desensitized to the side effects of the interferon (A) Signup and view all the answers