and Answers (Verified Answers)
What is the function of the immune system? - CORRECT ANSWER - The body's ability
to maintain homeostasis is highly dependent on its ability to fight off pathologic agents.
Immunity is our body's ability to ward off the pathogens that produce disease. The
protective cells, chemicals, and physical barriers that keep us safe from invading
pathogens form the immune system of our body. These are widely distributed with the
highest numbers present in the lymphatic system - lymph nodes, spleen, and lymphatic
vessels to name few.
What is the first line of defense regarding NON-specific immunity? - CORRECT ANSWER
- Non-specific Resistance (Innate Immunity). It's line of defense are the things you are
born with, mechanisms such as:
- Skin
- Mucous membranes
- Sebum
- Perspiration
What is the second line of defense regarding NON-specific immunity? - CORRECT
ANSWER - When the body's physical and chemical barriers fail, the second line of
defense comes into action. This defense line is composed of leukocytes that can do both
phagocytic and non-phagocytic killing, antimicrobial proteins (interferons INFs and
complement proteins) and processes like fever and inflammation.
- Enzymes, pH, Salt, Interferons, defensins, complement.
- NK cells
- Phagocytosis
- Fever
What is the the third line of defense as it relates to SPECIFIC- Immunity? - CORRECT
ANSWER - Also known as adaptive immunity. This specificity is a defining characteristic
of adaptive immunity, distinguishing it from the non-specific responses of innate immunity.
In specific immunity, the immune system can recognize and respond to specific
pathogens or antigens with precision. This recognition occurs through specialized
immune cells called lymphocytes, which include T cells and B cells. These cells possess
receptors that can bind to specific antigens presented by pathogens or infected cells.
, - Cellular Immune Response
- Humoral Immune Response
What are NK cells? - CORRECT ANSWER - Natural Killer cells are
Granulocytes/Lymphocytes, a type of White Blood Cell. NK cells destroy pathogens by
releasing chemicals, such as perforins and granzymes in their vicinity.
These attack a variety of targets; however, they are especially proficient at identifying and
attacking cancerous cells and cells infected by viruses.
What are the steps of an NK cell killing harmful pathogen? - CORRECT ANSWER - 1.
NK in the vicinity of the pathogen releases perforins.
2. The perforins in turn poke holes in the foreign cell's membrane.
3. Next the NK cell releases Granzymes, which enter through the perforin hole and
degrade enemy cell enzymes.
4. Enemy cells dies by Apoptosis (the death of cells which occurs as a normal and
controlled part of an organism's growth or development.)
5. A Macrophage will then engulf and digest the dying cell.
What is cell-mediated immunity and how does it work? - CORRECT ANSWER - This type
of immunity is facilitated by T-cells. T-cells are a type of lymphocyte that has special
markers on their membrane to respond to specific antigens, thus providing adaptive
immunity and do not play a role in innate immunity.
NK Cells don't have markers like these cells, which is why they are not specific. These
lymphocytes (t-cells) use specific major histocompatibility proteins (MHCs) found on the
surface of all body cells except RBCs to identify the antigens on the surface of target
cells.
Immature T cells are released from bone marrow migrate to the thymus where they
differentiate and develop ability to become immunocompetent.
What is antibody mediated immunity and how does it work? - CORRECT ANSWER - AKA
Humoral immunity. Provided by two types of B cells (plasma and memory). This immunity
is attributed to the action of antibodies, produced by plasma B-cells, which directly attack
pathogens like bacteria, fungi, parasites, etc.
B-cells become immunocompetent in the Bone marrow, unlike T-cells. B also cells
develop specific receptors on their cell surface