The Immune System Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the main function of phagocytes?

To secrete cytokines

To assist T cells in recognizing antigens

To produce antibodies

To phagocytose microbes (correct)

Which type of immune response involves a lag time before becoming effective?

Humoral immunity

Adaptive immunity (correct)

Innate immunity

Cell-mediated immunity

Where do T cells and antigen-presenting cells derive from?

Hematopoietic stem cells in bone marrow (correct)

Hematopoietic stem cells in the spleen

Progenitor cells in thymus

The liver

Which cells are specifically involved in the production of antibodies?

B cells Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes adaptive immunity from innate immunity?

Presence of memory and antigen-specific actions Signup and view all the answers

What role do dendritic cells play in the immune response?

They present antigens to T cells Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a neutrophil from a macrophage?

Neutrophils are short-lived, while macrophages are long-lived Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about cytokines is true?

They are signaling proteins that mediate immune responses Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the innate immune system?

To initiate a rapid response to a wide range of pathogens Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of mast cells in the immune system?

Release of histamines during allergic responses Signup and view all the answers

Which cells are considered lymphocytes in the immune system?

T cells and B cells Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a defensive barrier of the innate immune system?

Antibodies Signup and view all the answers

Which cells are primarily involved in the non-specific immune response?

Phagocytes and natural killer cells Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the adaptive immune system?

It develops immunological memory after exposure to antigens Signup and view all the answers

Which of these components is most closely associated with the detection of pathogens in the innate immune system?

Pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of studying immunology in the context of biomedical sciences?

To apply principles to dental therapy and hygiene Signup and view all the answers

Which option describes one of the main features of innate immunity?

It is the first line of defense against pathogens Signup and view all the answers

Which cell type is associated with the adaptive immune response?

B cells Signup and view all the answers

How does innate immunity differ from adaptive immunity?

Innate immunity responds quickly to pathogens, while adaptive takes longer Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a physiological barrier in the innate immune system?

The secretion of mucus in the respiratory tract Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Immune System

The immune system defends the body from foreign substances including pathogens.
The immune system consists of cells, chemicals, and processes that protect the body.
There are two main types of immunity: innate and adaptive immunity.

Innate Immunity

Innate immunity is the body's first line of defense against pathogens.
It is non-specific and acts rapidly.
Innate immunity does not have immunological memory.
It relies on pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) that recognize pathogens.
Innate immunity includes four defensive barriers:
- Physiologic barriers (temperature, pH, chemical mediators)
- Anatomic barriers (skin, mucous membranes)
- Endocytic/phagocytic barriers
- Inflammatory barriers
Innate immunity rapidly recruits immune cells to sites of infection and inflammation

Adaptive Immunity

The adaptive immune system is antigen-dependent and antigen-specific.
Adaptive immunity develops with the help of the innate immune system and has memory.
Adaptive immunity enables the body to mount a more rapid and efficient immune response.
Requires a lag time for development and action.
Recognizes specific non-self antigens and distinguishes them from self antigens.
Cells involved:
- Antigen-specific T cells
- B cells which differentiate into plasma cells to produce antibodies
T cells and antigen-presenting cells (APCs) derive from hematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow.
T cells express unique antigen-binding receptors on their membrane, called T cell receptors.
T cells require the action of APCs to recognize specific antigens.
Defects in either the innate or adaptive immune system can cause illness or disease.

Cells of the Immune System

Phagocytes:
- Neutrophils: short-lived cells that phagocytose microbes.
- Macrophages: long-lived cells that phagocytose microbes.
Eosinophils
Dendritic cells
Mast cells
Basophils
T cells: lymphocytes
Epithelial cells
Cytokines: proteins and glycoproteins

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Description

Explore the fundamentals of the immune system, including innate and adaptive immunity. Learn about the various defenses our body employs against pathogens through specific and non-specific mechanisms. This quiz will test your understanding of how the immune system operates to protect our body.