The Immune System Overview
33 Questions
0 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of a normally operating immune system?

  • To rapidly identify and eliminate non-self substances (correct)
  • To allow for constant exposure to new threats
  • To initiate a slow and measured response to all substances
  • To produce antigens for self-recognition
  • What distinguishes adaptive immunity from innate immunity?

  • Adaptive immunity is a natural, pre-programmed mechanism, while innate requires previous exposure to an antigen.
  • Adaptive immunity relies solely on barriers and normal flora, while innate involves lymphocytes.
  • Adaptive immunity is the 1st line of defense, while innate is a later defense.
  • Adaptive immunity is more specific and develops a memory response, whereas innate immunity is a more general, immediate response. (correct)
  • According to the provided text, which factor is primarily responsible for the specificity of the adaptive immune response?

  • Chemicals
  • Lymphocytes (correct)
  • Enzymes
  • Normal flora
  • What does the term 'non-self' refer to within the context of the immune system?

    <p>Antigens that are not a part of the individual's own body. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the adaptive immune response react differently to a second exposure to the same antigen, compared to the first exposure?

    <p>The response will be quicker and more efficient because of the memory response (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT considered a component of the innate immune system?

    <p>Lymphocytes (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is required for adaptive immunity to initiate its response?

    <p>Exposure to an antigen (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of bone marrow in the adaptive immune response?

    <p>It is the site of origin of immature lymphocytes. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary role of plasma cells in humoral immunity?

    <p>To produce specific antibodies (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Where do T lymphocytes primarily mature?

    <p>Thymus gland (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of pathogens are primarily targeted by cell-mediated immunity?

    <p>Intracellular viruses (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    B cell maturation occurs in which of the following?

    <p>Bone marrow, spleen, and lymph nodes (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which specific proteins are produced by plasma cells?

    <p>Immunoglobulins (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary way that the adaptive immunity type, known as Humoral immunity, attacks invaders?

    <p>By producing antibodies that neutralize extracellular pathogens. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of immunity is developed by T lymphocytes?

    <p>Cell-mediated immunity (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What distinguishes the targets of humoral immunity from those of cell-mediated immunity?

    <p>Humoral immunity targets extracellular pathogens; cell-mediated targets intracellular pathogens. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the role of naïve B cells?

    <p>They mature into antibody-producing plasma cells after exposure to an antigen. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of CD8 cells when activated by an antigen fragment presented on an APC?

    <p>To induce apoptosis in the infected cells, destroying them. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main function of antibodies produced by plasma cells?

    <p>To bind to antigens, neutralizing or marking them for destruction. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement best describes the process of developing immunity through vaccination?

    <p>The patient is administered an inactivated or weakened pathogen, prompting the production of specific Igs. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why are booster shots often needed after the initial vaccination?

    <p>To generate a secondary immune response, resulting in a rapid increase in antibody concentration. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the typical implication if a patient has a negative antibody titer result?

    <p>The patient has not been exposed to a specific disease and is at risk of infection. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT an example of an immediate form of passive immunity?

    <p>A vaccine. (A), Antibodies produced by the body after contracting a disease. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which class of immunoglobulins primarily facilitates immune responses by directly binding to specific antigens?

    <p>IgG (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of cells are primarily utilized in cell-mediated immunity?

    <p>T-lymphocytes (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key characteristic of active acquired immunity?

    <p>The body synthesizing its own antibodies (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Unlike humoral immunity, what characteristic is primarily associated with cell mediated immunity?

    <p>Direct pathogen destruction by immune cells. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a defining trait of passive acquired immunity?

    <p>Short-term protection via pre-manufactured immunoglobulins (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Helper T cells play a crucial role in the immune response by:

    <p>Providing support to escalate/promote the immune response (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How is an antigen processed in active immunity?

    <p>Antigen presenting cell processes the antigen. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In contrast to passive immunity, what is a primary characteristic of active immunity regarding the immune response?

    <p>Requires exposure to an antigen. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What sets apart cell-mediated immunity from humoral immunity?

    <p>Its direct action of cytotoxic cells on infected cells. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary mode of action in passive immunity, as opposed to active immunity?

    <p>Introduction of immunoglobulins without direct synthesis. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Immune System

    The body's complex defense mechanism that protects against harmful agents such as bacteria, viruses, and toxins.

    Self vs. Non-self

    The ability of the immune system to distinguish between the body's own cells and foreign substances.

    Antigen

    Any substance that triggers an immune response. It can be a molecule, a protein, or a fragment of an invading organism.

    Innate Immunity

    The first line of defense of the immune system. It is the body's natural defense mechanism against invaders.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Adaptive Immunity

    The second line of defense of the immune system. It is more specific and can target particular invaders.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Immunological Memory

    The process by which the adaptive immune system remembers previous encounters with specific antigens.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Lymphocytes

    Cells of the adaptive immune system responsible for attacking and destroying specific antigens.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Memory Response

    The ability of the adaptive immune system to react faster and more efficiently to a second exposure to the same antigen.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Humoral Immunity

    Immune system response where antibodies are produced by B lymphocytes to neutralize pathogens.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Cell-mediated Immunity

    Immune system response where T lymphocytes directly attack infected cells or pathogens.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Naïve B Cell

    The stage where B cells haven't encountered an antigen yet, meaning they haven't learned to recognize a specific pathogen.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    B Cell Maturation

    The process of B cells maturing into plasma cells after encountering an antigen. Plasma cells are antibody factories.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Antibodies

    Specialized proteins produced by plasma cells, capable of recognizing and binding to specific antigens.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Humoral Immunity: Purpose

    The primary function of humoral immunity is to protect against extracellular pathogens, which are outside of cells.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Cell-mediated Immunity: Purpose

    The primary function of cell-mediated immunity is to target intracellular pathogens, which live within host cells.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    T Cell Maturation

    T lymphocytes mature in the thymus, a gland located in the chest.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    B Cell Maturation Location

    Immature B cells mature in the bone marrow, spleen, and lymph nodes.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    T Cell Location

    Mature T cells are found circulating in the bloodstream and residing in lymph nodes.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Antigen Presentation to CD8+ Cells

    Antigen fragments are displayed on the surface of antigen-presenting cells (APCs) to activate cytotoxic T cells (CD8+). These cells then destroy infected cells via apoptosis.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Vaccine

    A weakened or inactivated form of a virus that cannot cause disease. It contains the genes for the disease but is unable to replicate in the body.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Booster

    A repeated dose of a vaccine given some time after the initial dose. It serves as a reminder to the body to produce more antibodies.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Antibody Titer

    Tests that measure the levels of specific antibodies (IgM and IgG) in the blood. They are used to determine if a person has been exposed to a particular antigen and has developed immunity.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Immunoglobulins (Ig)

    Specific proteins produced by the immune system that recognize and bind to particular antigens, triggering an immune response.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    IgG

    A type of immunoglobulin that is the most abundant in blood serum and plays a key role in fighting infections.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    IgA

    A type of immunoglobulin found primarily in mucosal secretions (e.g., saliva, tears, breast milk) and provides localized protection against pathogens.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    IgE

    A type of immunoglobulin associated with allergic reactions and parasitic infections.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    IgM

    A type of immunoglobulin found primarily in the blood during early immune responses and can activate the complement system.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    IgD

    A type of immunoglobulin found on B cells and involved in antibody production and immune regulation.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Active acquired immunity

    A type of immune response acquired through exposure to an antigen or vaccination.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Passive acquired immunity

    A type of immune response where pre-made antibodies are provided to an individual either through injection or passively transferred from a mother to her baby.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Antigen-Presenting Cell (APC)

    A type of cell that presents antigens to T cells, triggering the activation of the immune response.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Study Notes

    The Immune System

    • The immune system is a complex defense mechanism that protects the body from harmful agents.
    • It distinguishes between "self" and "non-self" substances.
    • "Non-self" substances are called antigens.
    • A healthy immune system rapidly identifies antigens and activates defense mechanisms to eliminate the threat.
    • A weakened immune system may not respond quickly.

    Innate vs. Adaptive Immunity

    • Innate Immunity:
      • The body's first line of defense, providing immediate protection.
      • Uses natural mechanisms like barriers (skin, mucous membranes), normal flora, white blood cells, enzymes, and chemicals.
      • Includes natural killer cells for rapid response.
    • Adaptive Immunity:
      • Occurs after innate immunity.
      • More specific in its targeting of antigens.
      • Uses memory for quicker response to future exposures.
      • Driven by lymphocytes (B and T cells).

    Adaptive Immunity: Humoral Immunity

    • Also known as B cell immunity.
    • B cells mature in bone marrow, spleen, and lymph nodes.
    • Protects against extracellular pathogens (outside cells).
    • Circulates in the bloodstream.
    • B cells become plasma cells which produce antibodies (immunoglobulins, Igs).
    • Antibodies bind to and neutralize specific antigens.
    • Igs include types like IgG, IgA, IgE, IgM, IgD.
    • Helper T cells support the immune response.

    Adaptive Immunity: Cell-Mediated Immunity

    • Also known as T cell immunity.
    • T cells mature in the thymus.
    • Protects against intracellular pathogens (inside cells).
    • Involves macrophages, T lymphocytes, and cytotoxic cells for pathogen destruction.
    • Helper T cells (CD4+) help activate other cells.
    • Cytotoxic T cells (CD8+) directly destroy infected cells or cancer cells.

    Adaptive Immunity: Active vs. Passive

    • Active Acquired:
      • Obtained through exposure to an antigen or immunization (vaccine).
      • The body synthesizes specific immunoglobulins (antibodies) against the antigen.
      • Provides long-term immunity.
    • Passive Acquired:
      • Involves receiving pre-manufactured immunoglobulins.
      • The body does not produce the antibodies; it passively receives them.
      • Provides short-term immunity.

    Immunizations and Boosters

    • Vaccines contain weakened or inactivated viruses or components.
    • Vaccines do not cause disease.
    • Vaccines stimulate the body's immune response to produce antibodies against specific antigens.
    • Booster shots are given later to maintain and strengthen immunity.

    Antibody Titer

    • Antibody titers are tests to measure antibody levels.
    • Negative titers indicate a lack of immunity related to antibodies.
    • High IgM levels may indicate a recent infection.
    • Adequate IgG levels imply previous exposure.

    Studying That Suits You

    Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

    Quiz Team

    Related Documents

    Immune System Function PDF

    Description

    Explore the complexities of the immune system, including its mechanisms and functions. This quiz covers both innate and adaptive immunity, highlighting the roles of white blood cells and lymphocytes. Test your understanding of how our body defends against harmful agents and the differences between immune responses.

    More Like This

    Immunity and Immune System Overview
    10 questions
    Innate vs Adaptive Immunity Quiz
    29 questions
    Innate vs. Adaptive Immunity Quiz
    28 questions
    Use Quizgecko on...
    Browser
    Browser