38 Questions
Which component of the lymphatic system is responsible for the development of the critical immune response?
Lymph nodes
What is the primary function of the lymphatic system in relation to the circulatory system?
To bring excess fluid from the interstitial spaces to the bloodstream
What is the role of lymphocytes in the adaptive immune response?
Lymphocytes coordinate the adaptive immune response
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the lymphatic system?
Lymph nodes are the only organs in the lymphatic system
What is the primary function of the innate immune response?
To provide a rapid, but non-specific defense against pathogens
Where do all leukocytes (white blood cells) originate?
Bone marrow
What is the primary function of the lymph nodes?
To filter lymph fluid and remove debris and pathogens
What is the role of the spleen in the immune system?
The spleen filters the blood and removes old or damaged red blood cells
What is the function of the tonsils in the immune system?
The tonsils play an important role in developing immunity to oral pathogens
What is the main difference between lymph nodes and lymphoid nodules?
Lymph nodes have a fibrous capsule, while lymphoid nodules do not
What is the purpose of the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT)?
MALT plays a role in developing immunity to pathogens at mucosal surfaces
What is the primary function of the efferent lymphatic vessels in a lymph node?
To transport lymphocytes and plasma cells out of the lymph node
What is the primary reason why a vaccine for HIV/AIDS has not been developed after 30 years?
The virus mutates too often, making it difficult to develop an effective vaccine.
Which type of hypersensitivity reaction is characterized by the accumulation of antigen-antibody complexes along blood vessel linings, causing inflammation?
Type 3 (Immune complex) hypersensitivity
What is the primary reason why autoimmune diseases are more rare in countries with high infectious disease rates?
Exposure to a variety of pathogens helps maintain a healthy immune tolerance, preventing autoimmune reactions.
What is the primary reason why a healthy immune system can control some cancers?
The immune system can recognize and destroy cancer cells before they proliferate.
What is the primary reason why organ transplant recipients must match MHC alleles, and not just blood type?
Matching MHC alleles is necessary to ensure the transplanted organ is not rejected by the recipient's body.
What is the primary reason why the immune system can cause complications in cancer treatment, but the benefits still outweigh the risks?
The immune system's ability to control some cancers is more important than the potential complications it may cause, which can be managed effectively.
What is the main function of Helper T cells in the immune response?
Secrete cytokines to enhance other immune responses
In the process of T cell tolerance, what happens during positive selection?
T cells bind to class II antigen expression
Which type of T cell is responsible for killing target cells by inducing apoptosis?
Cytotoxic T cell
What is the main role of B cells in the immune system?
Secrete antibody
Which antibody class is associated with allergies and anaphylaxis?
IgE
What is the immediate response time for a secondary exposure compared to the initial response?
Immediate and stronger
Which immune response involves coating a pathogen to make it impossible to bind to a receptor?
Mucosal immune response
What is the main difference between Central Tolerance and Peripheral Tolerance in B cells?
"Self" cells are eliminated in peripheral tolerance and undergo apoptosis in central tolerance.
"Clonal selection" refers to which process in the immune response?
"The process of antigen binding only to the T cell with that specific receptor"
"Memory B cells" react similar to which other type of immune cell?
"Memory T cell"
Which of the following is NOT a function of BALT (bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue)?
Facilitating the exchange of gases between the lungs and the bloodstream
Which of the following statements about the innate immune response is FALSE?
It is always effective in eliminating pathogens
Which of the following cells is NOT involved in the innate immune response?
T cells
Which of the following is a function of the complement system?
Opsonizing pathogens for phagocytosis
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the adaptive immune response?
It is a rapid response to pathogens
Which of the following molecules is involved in the inflammatory response?
Histamine
Which of the following is a function of T cells in the adaptive immune response?
Recognizing and binding to specific antigens
Which of the following statements about MHC molecules is TRUE?
MHC molecules are involved in the presentation of antigens to T cells
Which of the following statements about autoimmune diseases is FALSE?
Autoimmune diseases are caused by a deficiency in the innate immune response
Which of the following is NOT a function of cytokines in the immune response?
Inducing apoptosis in infected cells
Study Notes
Anatomy of the Lymphatic and Immune Systems
- Immune system: cells and organs that destroy pathogens
- Lymphatic system: vessels, cells, and organs that bring excess fluid to the bloodstream and filter pathogens from the blood
- Lymph: interstitial fluid in the lymphatic system
- Dietary lipids and fat-soluble vitamins are absorbed and travel in lymphatic vessels to the liver
- Lymph node: major staging area for development of critical immune response
Structure of the Lymphatic System
- Open-ended capillaries that feed into larger vessels and eventually into the subclavian vein
- Capillaries are simple squamous endothelial cells
- We have 500-600 lymph nodes along those vessels
- Lymph is not pumped – it moves by breathing, muscle contraction, and body movements
- One-way valves keep it moving toward the heart (like veins)
- Areas with no lymph vessels: bone marrow, CNS, teeth, and cornea
Organization of Immune Function
- Barrier defenses: skin and mucous membranes, prevent invasion
- Innate immune response: rapid, but non-specific cells
- Adaptive immune response: slower response of lymphocytes
- All leukocytes come from the red marrow (myeloid or lymphoid)
- Phagocytic cells: ingest pathogens
- Lymphocytes: coordinate adaptive immunity
- Granular cells: help mediate immune response against parasites and pathogens like bacteria and viruses
Barrier Defenses and Innate Immune Response
- Barrier defenses: most basic, continuously working (skin and sweat, mouth, stomach, mucosal surfaces, and normal flora)
- Innate immune response: rapid, non-specific, not always effective
- Adaptive immune response: slower to develop, highly specific, very effective at attacking a wide variety of pathogens
Innate Immune Cells
- Macrophage: phagocyte that will roam or take a fixed position, first line of defense, cooperates with lymphocytes
- Neutrophils: phagocyte that is attracted via chemotaxis, reinforcements, cooperate with lymphocytes
- Monocyte: differentiates into a macrophage or dendritic cell
- Natural killer cells: induce apoptosis in an infected cell by releasing the fas ligand to bind to the fas molecule on the infected cell or by releasing perforins and granzymes
Antigen Presentation and Recognition
- Antigen-presenting cells: present antigens to T cells
- T cells: recognize antigens on the surface of an antigen-presenting cell
- Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules: present antigens on the surface of cells
- Antigen processing: breaking down antigens into smaller pieces for presentation
T Cell-Mediated Immune Responses
- T cells: coordinate adaptive immune response
- Antigen recognition: T cells recognize antigens on the surface of antigen-presenting cells
- Variable region: specific for binding to a single particular antigen
- Antigens: the region on a pathogen that binds to a receptor
- Carb antigen: bacteria and RBC
- Protein antigen: viruses and worm parasites
Adaptive Immune Response
- Primary adaptive response: first infection has worse symptoms because adaptive immune system needs to become effective
- Secondary adaptive response: next infection is most likely eliminated before you notice a symptom, this is immunological memory
- Autoimmune disease: adaptive immune response begins to attack your “self” cells
Lymphoid Organs
- Lymph nodes: remove debris and pathogens, dendritic cells and macrophages kill many pathogens, many B and T cells are present
- Spleen: extensive vascularization, known as “filter of the Blood”, holds many dendrites and macrophages
- Lymphoid nodules: dense cluster of lymphocytes without a fibrous capsule, found in respiratory and digestive tracts (tonsils)
Hypersensitivities
- Immediate (Type 1): IgE binds to mast cells causing degranulation, reactions are rapid, treated with antihistamine and epinephrine
- Type 2: mismatched blood transfusion
- Type 3: systemic disease, antigens and antibodies will accumulate along blood vessel linings causing inflammation
- Delayed (Type 4): standard cellular immune response, so it takes 24-72 hours for the response of symptoms (Tb test)
Autoimmune Response
- Tolerance breaks down and the immune system attacks a person's own body
- Trigger is often unknown
- Treat with immunosuppressive drugs and anti-inflammatories
- Autoimmune disease is more rare in countries with high infectious disease rates
Test your knowledge on the anatomy of the lymphatic and immune systems, covering topics such as immune system cells, lymphatic vessels, dietary lipid absorption, and lymph node functions.
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