Tortora Microbiology Chapter 16 Test
Bank Questions and Correct Answers
2025-2026 Edition.
Immunity - Answer A specific resistance of the body to infection; it may be natural, or
resistance may develop after exposure to a disease agent.
Susceptibility - Answer Lack of resistance to a disease
Innate Immunity - Answer Defenses present @ birth, always present and available, rapid
response to pathogen. Doesn't involve specific recognition of microbe. Doesn't have a memory
response. Represent immunity's early-warning system, and designed to prevent microbes from
gaining access into the body and help to eliminate those that do gain access.
Adaptive immunity - Answer Based on a specific response to a specific microbe once a
microbe has breached the innate immunity defenses. Adapts or adjusts to handle a particular
microbe. Adaptive immunity slower to respond, but does have a memory component. B and T
cells
Toll-like receptors (TLR's) - Answer Protein receptors in plasma membranes of defensive
cells. These attach to various components commonly found on pathogens that are called
pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). Ex. LPS of G- bacteria, flagellin in flagella of
motile bacteria, etc.)
Cytokines - Answer Proteins that regulate intensity and duration of immune responses.
Skin (Structure) - Answer Human body's largest organ in terms of surface area and weight
and extremely important component of first line of defense. Consists of the dermis (inner,
thicker portion - connective tissue) and the epidermis (outer, thinner portion - many layers of
tightly packed epithelial cells) in direct contact with external environment.
Skin (Role) - Answer Tightly packed outer layer provides a thick barrier. Top layer of
epidermal cells is dead and contains protective protein keratin. periodic shedding of top layer
helps remove microbes @ the surface. Dryness of the skin major factor in inhibiting microbial
growth. Intact skin provides large barrier for m.o.'s. (most likely to be the Staph.cocci that
normaly inhabit epidermis/hair follicles, etc.
, Mucous membanes - Answer Consist of an epithelial layer/underlying connective tissue.
Important component of first line of defense, and inhibit entrance of many m.o.'s. Line entire
gastrointestinal, respiratory, and genitourinary tracts. prevents tracts from drying out.
mucus - Answer Physical factor Epithelial layer of a mucous membrane that secretes a fluid,
slightly viscous glycoprotein produced by goblet cells. Prevents the tracts from drying out. Traps
many of m.o.'s that enter respiratory/gastro. tracts.
Beware: Penetration by pathogens that thrive in the moist environment facilitated by toxic
substances produced by the m.o. prior to injury by viral infection/mucsol irritation.
List the physical factors that help protect epithelial/skin/body surfaces - Answer Lacrimal
apparatus, Saliva, Mucus, Epiglottis, Earwax
Urine and Vaginal secretions: prevent microbial colonization in the genitourinary tract
Peristalsis, defecation, vomiting, diarrhea also expel microbes.
Lacrimal apparatus - Answer Physical factor. Group of structures that manufactures and
drains away tears, located toward upper, outermost portion of each eye socket
Ciliary escalator - Answer Physical factor. Ciliated mucosal cells of the lower respiratory tract
that move inhaled particulates away from the lungs. Coughing/sneezing speed up escalator.
Epiglottis - Answer Physical factor. Small lid of cartilage covers larynx during swallowing.
prevents foreign matter from entering the lower respiratory tract.
Earwax (Physical) - Answer P: External ear canal contains hairs and earwax which help
prevent microbes, dust, insects, and water from entering the ar.
Peristalsis - Answer Physical factor. Microbial toxins induce rapid contractions resulting in
vomiting/defecation. Series of coordinated contractions that propel food along gastrointestinal
tract. Mass peristalsis of large intestinal contents into rectum results in defecation.
List the chemical factors that help protect epithelial/skin/body surfaces - Answer Sebum,
perspiration (contains lysozymes), Earwax, saliva, gastric juice.
Perspiration - Answer Sweat glands produce. Helps maintain body temp, eliminate certain
wastes, and flush m.o.'s from skin surface. Contains lysozyme
Bank Questions and Correct Answers
2025-2026 Edition.
Immunity - Answer A specific resistance of the body to infection; it may be natural, or
resistance may develop after exposure to a disease agent.
Susceptibility - Answer Lack of resistance to a disease
Innate Immunity - Answer Defenses present @ birth, always present and available, rapid
response to pathogen. Doesn't involve specific recognition of microbe. Doesn't have a memory
response. Represent immunity's early-warning system, and designed to prevent microbes from
gaining access into the body and help to eliminate those that do gain access.
Adaptive immunity - Answer Based on a specific response to a specific microbe once a
microbe has breached the innate immunity defenses. Adapts or adjusts to handle a particular
microbe. Adaptive immunity slower to respond, but does have a memory component. B and T
cells
Toll-like receptors (TLR's) - Answer Protein receptors in plasma membranes of defensive
cells. These attach to various components commonly found on pathogens that are called
pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). Ex. LPS of G- bacteria, flagellin in flagella of
motile bacteria, etc.)
Cytokines - Answer Proteins that regulate intensity and duration of immune responses.
Skin (Structure) - Answer Human body's largest organ in terms of surface area and weight
and extremely important component of first line of defense. Consists of the dermis (inner,
thicker portion - connective tissue) and the epidermis (outer, thinner portion - many layers of
tightly packed epithelial cells) in direct contact with external environment.
Skin (Role) - Answer Tightly packed outer layer provides a thick barrier. Top layer of
epidermal cells is dead and contains protective protein keratin. periodic shedding of top layer
helps remove microbes @ the surface. Dryness of the skin major factor in inhibiting microbial
growth. Intact skin provides large barrier for m.o.'s. (most likely to be the Staph.cocci that
normaly inhabit epidermis/hair follicles, etc.
, Mucous membanes - Answer Consist of an epithelial layer/underlying connective tissue.
Important component of first line of defense, and inhibit entrance of many m.o.'s. Line entire
gastrointestinal, respiratory, and genitourinary tracts. prevents tracts from drying out.
mucus - Answer Physical factor Epithelial layer of a mucous membrane that secretes a fluid,
slightly viscous glycoprotein produced by goblet cells. Prevents the tracts from drying out. Traps
many of m.o.'s that enter respiratory/gastro. tracts.
Beware: Penetration by pathogens that thrive in the moist environment facilitated by toxic
substances produced by the m.o. prior to injury by viral infection/mucsol irritation.
List the physical factors that help protect epithelial/skin/body surfaces - Answer Lacrimal
apparatus, Saliva, Mucus, Epiglottis, Earwax
Urine and Vaginal secretions: prevent microbial colonization in the genitourinary tract
Peristalsis, defecation, vomiting, diarrhea also expel microbes.
Lacrimal apparatus - Answer Physical factor. Group of structures that manufactures and
drains away tears, located toward upper, outermost portion of each eye socket
Ciliary escalator - Answer Physical factor. Ciliated mucosal cells of the lower respiratory tract
that move inhaled particulates away from the lungs. Coughing/sneezing speed up escalator.
Epiglottis - Answer Physical factor. Small lid of cartilage covers larynx during swallowing.
prevents foreign matter from entering the lower respiratory tract.
Earwax (Physical) - Answer P: External ear canal contains hairs and earwax which help
prevent microbes, dust, insects, and water from entering the ar.
Peristalsis - Answer Physical factor. Microbial toxins induce rapid contractions resulting in
vomiting/defecation. Series of coordinated contractions that propel food along gastrointestinal
tract. Mass peristalsis of large intestinal contents into rectum results in defecation.
List the chemical factors that help protect epithelial/skin/body surfaces - Answer Sebum,
perspiration (contains lysozymes), Earwax, saliva, gastric juice.
Perspiration - Answer Sweat glands produce. Helps maintain body temp, eliminate certain
wastes, and flush m.o.'s from skin surface. Contains lysozyme
