Specific vs Non-Specific Immune System Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is the main difference between the non-specific and specific immune responses?

The specific response does not generate long-term immunity

Both responses operate independently

The non-specific response can produce antibodies

The non-specific response acts quickly while the specific response acts later (correct)

What feature allows the specific immune response to provide long-term immunity?

Production of memory cells

The specific response involves the production of antibodies.

True

The non-specific immune response involves the production of antibodies.

False Signup and view all the answers

The non-specific immune response involves __________ barriers and inflammation.

skin Signup and view all the answers

What is a common objective of both specific and non-specific immune responses?

To destroy foreign body cells and pathogens Signup and view all the answers

In both immune responses, cells can become antigen presenting cells.

True Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Immune System Overview

The immune system comprises a specific (adaptive) response and a non-specific (innate) response to pathogens.

Non-Specific Immune Response

Acts as the first line of defense and responds quickly to threats.
Includes physical barriers such as skin and mucous membranes, as well as inflammatory responses.
Does not involve the production of antibodies or memory cells.
Cell-mediated and humoral types of responses are part of this mechanism.

Specific Immune Response

Acts later than the non-specific response but is highly targeted and effective.
Produces antibodies specific to pathogens, leading to long-term immunity through the formation of memory cells.
Memory cells remain in the bloodstream to provide faster responses upon re-exposure to the same pathogen.

Comparisons Between Both Responses

Both immune responses aim to destroy foreign cells and pathogens, working together to ensure effective protection.
In both the specific and non-specific immune responses, some cells can function as antigen-presenting cells, which help trigger further immune activities.

Description

Explore the key differences between the specific and non-specific immune systems with these informative flashcards. Learn how each response functions, their roles in immune defense, and what distinguishes them in terms of immunity and memory cell production.