NURS 231: Pathophysiology Module 3
define innate immunity
(ANS- Innate immunity, also called natural immunity, is the first line of defense.
This type of defense is in place before an infection takes place and can function
immediately. It is comprised of physical, chemical, cellular, and molecular
defenses.
How does the skin act as a physical barrier?
(ANS- The skin's design makes it a strong physical barrier. It has closely packed
cells in multiple layers that are continuously being shed. Keratin covers the skin,
which creates a salty, acidic environment inhospitable to microbes. It also contains
antimicrobial proteins and lysozymes that inhibit microorganisms and help to
destroy them.
What cells are involved in innate immunity?
(ANS- neutrophils, macrophages, dendritic cells (DC), natural killer (NK) cells,
and intraepithelial lymphocytes.
Describe each type of leukocyte and explain their function:
(ANS- Neutrophils are the most abundant in the body and are an early responder in
innate immunity and use phagocytosis to kill microbes.
Eosinophils are active in parasitic infections and allergic responses.
Basophils release histamine and proteolytic enzymes. Monocytes are the largest in
size and are released from the bone marrow and mature into macrophages and
dendritic cells where they engage in the inflammatory response and phagocytize
foreign substances and cellular debris.
, Macrophages have a long life span, reside in the tissues, and are the first phagocyte
that organisms encounter. Neutrophils and macrophages work together on behalf of
the host's initial defense system.
Describe adaptive immunity:
(ANS- Adaptive immunity, also called acquired immunity, is the second line of
defense and includes both humoral and cellular mechanisms that respond to cell-
specific substances known as antigens. Adaptive immunity is acquired through
previous exposure to infections and other foreign agents. It can not only distinguish
self from nonself but can recognize and destroy specific foreign agents based on
their different antigenic properties. This response takes more time but is extremely
effective.
What are antigens?
(ANS- Antigens are present on the surface of pathogens or other foreign
substances that elicit the adaptive immune response.
What are the primary cells of adaptive immunity?
(ANS- lymphocytes, APCs (antigen presenting cells), and effector cells.
Describe B & T lymphocytes and discuss their role in immunity:
(ANS- B lymphocytes produce the antibodies (humoral immunity) and T
lymphocytes provide the cell-mediated immunity. B and T lymphocytes have the
unique function as the only cells to recognize specific antigens present on the
surface of pathogens and to remember them in the future.
define innate immunity
(ANS- Innate immunity, also called natural immunity, is the first line of defense.
This type of defense is in place before an infection takes place and can function
immediately. It is comprised of physical, chemical, cellular, and molecular
defenses.
How does the skin act as a physical barrier?
(ANS- The skin's design makes it a strong physical barrier. It has closely packed
cells in multiple layers that are continuously being shed. Keratin covers the skin,
which creates a salty, acidic environment inhospitable to microbes. It also contains
antimicrobial proteins and lysozymes that inhibit microorganisms and help to
destroy them.
What cells are involved in innate immunity?
(ANS- neutrophils, macrophages, dendritic cells (DC), natural killer (NK) cells,
and intraepithelial lymphocytes.
Describe each type of leukocyte and explain their function:
(ANS- Neutrophils are the most abundant in the body and are an early responder in
innate immunity and use phagocytosis to kill microbes.
Eosinophils are active in parasitic infections and allergic responses.
Basophils release histamine and proteolytic enzymes. Monocytes are the largest in
size and are released from the bone marrow and mature into macrophages and
dendritic cells where they engage in the inflammatory response and phagocytize
foreign substances and cellular debris.
, Macrophages have a long life span, reside in the tissues, and are the first phagocyte
that organisms encounter. Neutrophils and macrophages work together on behalf of
the host's initial defense system.
Describe adaptive immunity:
(ANS- Adaptive immunity, also called acquired immunity, is the second line of
defense and includes both humoral and cellular mechanisms that respond to cell-
specific substances known as antigens. Adaptive immunity is acquired through
previous exposure to infections and other foreign agents. It can not only distinguish
self from nonself but can recognize and destroy specific foreign agents based on
their different antigenic properties. This response takes more time but is extremely
effective.
What are antigens?
(ANS- Antigens are present on the surface of pathogens or other foreign
substances that elicit the adaptive immune response.
What are the primary cells of adaptive immunity?
(ANS- lymphocytes, APCs (antigen presenting cells), and effector cells.
Describe B & T lymphocytes and discuss their role in immunity:
(ANS- B lymphocytes produce the antibodies (humoral immunity) and T
lymphocytes provide the cell-mediated immunity. B and T lymphocytes have the
unique function as the only cells to recognize specific antigens present on the
surface of pathogens and to remember them in the future.
