Module 3: Altered Immunity Flashcards
(18 cards)
Which of the following best describes the primary function of the normal immune response?
A. To identify and destroy abnormal or mutated host cells only
B. To prevent blood clotting and maintain vascular homeostasis
C. To recognize and eliminate foreign substances from the body
D. To produce red blood cells during periods of infection
C. To recognize and eliminate foreign substances from the body
Rationale:
The main function of the immune system is to defend the body by recognizing pathogens (like bacteria, viruses, and parasites) and eliminating them. It also removes dead or damaged cells and identifies abnormal cells, but its broad, general purpose is foreign substance recognition and elimination.
Which of the following best summarizes the three primary functions of the normal immune response?
A. Digestion, absorption, and metabolism
B. Defense, homeostasis, and surveillance
C. Circulation, respiration, and filtration
D. Recognition, reaction, and regeneration
: B. Defense, homeostasis, and surveillance
💡 Mini Breakdown:
Defense = Fight off invaders (viruses, bacteria, etc.) 🛡️
Homeostasis = Clean up dead/damaged cells and keep balance ⚖️
Surveillance = Patrol for weird/mutated cells (like cancer cells) 👀
The immune system is like a 24/7 bouncer, janitor, and security camera — all rolled into one. 🔐🧹
What is the primary function of an antigen in the immune response?
A. To destroy pathogens by binding to them
B. To stimulate the production of red blood cells
C. To initiate an immune response by being recognized as foreign
D. To suppress the immune system and prevent overactivation
Correct Answer: C.
Antigens are like the red flags that say, “Hey immune system, this doesn’t belong here!”
They’re the trigger for your immune cells to jump into action. They don’t do the attacking themselves — they just cause a scene and let the immune squad handle it.
Which attributes describe acquired immunity?
Select all that apply.
A. Developed actively or passively
B. Present at birth
C. The first line of defense against pathogens
D. Not antigen-specific
E. Produces non-specific response
A. Developed actively or passively ✅
✔️ Correct! Acquired immunity can be active (like vaccines or infection) or passive (like antibodies from mom or a transfusion).
B. Present at birth ❌
❌ That’s innate immunity — your built-in protection.
C. The first line of defense against pathogens ❌
❌ Again, that’s innate, like your skin and mucous membranes.
D. Not antigen-specific ❌
❌ Acquired immunity is antigen-specific. It targets specific threats.
E. Produces non-specific response ❌
❌ Nope! It’s very specific — that’s what makes it so smart.
Which condition is an example of humoral immunity in the body?
A. Anaphylactic shock
B. Tuberculosis
C. Graft rejection
D. Contact dermatitis
A. Anaphylactic shock ✅
✔️ Correct! This is a humoral immunity response — driven by IgE antibodies binding to allergens and triggering mast cells to release histamine.
Antibody-based = humoral immunity 🧪💥
Which of the following cells are classified as mononuclear phagocytes?
A. Neutrophils and eosinophils
B. Monocytes and macrophages
C. B cells and T cells
D. Basophils and mast cells
✅ Correct Answer: B. Monocytes and macrophages
What is the main job of mononuclear phagocytes in the immune response?
A. Kill parasites with toxic enzymes
B. Produce antibodies
C. Capture, process, and present antigens to lymphocytes
D. Suppress immune response to avoid inflammation
✅ Correct Answer: C. Capture, process, and present antigens to lymphocytes
How do mononuclear phagocytes capture antigens?
A. Antibody tagging
B. Direct cell lysis
C. Phagocytosis
D. Histamine release
C. Phagocytosis
Which class of immunoglobulin is found in breast milk?
A. IgG
B. IgA
C. IgM
D. IgE
B. IgA
IgA = “A” for All About Mucosal protection 💧
Found in secretions like breast milk, saliva, tears, and mucus
Protects baby’s gut and respiratory tract from germs
Gives passive immunity to the baby 💕
Which type of cytokine has clinical use for treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA)?
A) Interleukin-2
B) Erythropoietin
C) Soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor
D) Colony-stimulating factors
C) Soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor
💡 Why?
RA involves chronic inflammation driven in part by tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). Drugs like etanercept are soluble TNF receptors — they act like a sponge and soak up excess TNF-α, calming down the immune system and reducing joint destruction.
💬 Bestie Tip: Think of it like emotional support for your joints — it’s catching all the angry signals before they cause drama.
❓Which type of hypersensitivity reaction can be diagnosed with the wheal and flare skin test?
A) Anaphylactic
B) Cytotoxic
C) Immune-complex
D) Delayed hypersensitivity
✅ Correct Answer: A) Anaphylactic
Wheal and flare test = a type of skin prick or scratch test used to check for Type I hypersensitivity reactions.
❓Which condition is a chronic, inherited skin disorder?
A) Urticaria
B) Atopic dermatitis
C) Allergic rhinitis
D) Angioedema
🧠 Breakdown:
Atopic dermatitis = chronic, itchy, inflammatory skin condition that often runs in families with allergies, asthma, or hay fever (aka “the atopic triad”).
It’s linked to genetics and immune dysregulation.
Starts in childhood, flares up with triggers (stress, allergens, irritants).
Which of the following is an example of natural passive immunity?
A) Immunization with killed vaccines
B) Recovery from mumps
C) Maternal immunoglobulins transferred to the fetus
D) Injection of human γ-globulin
✅ Correct Answer: C) Maternal immunoglobulins transferred to the fetus
Which statement describes the second phase of the humoral immune response?
A) Memory cells allow for rapid production of antibodies
B) IgM is the primary antibody involved
C) IgG is produced towards the end of the phase
D) Reaction becomes evident 4 to 8 days after initial exposure
✅ Correct Answer: A) Memory cells allow for rapid production of antibodies
During the cell-mediated response, which cell type captures antigens in contact with the environment?
A) Natural killer cells
B) Dendritic cells
C) B lymphocytes
D) T lymphocytes
Dendritic cells are the scouts of the immune system — they hang out in places exposed to the outside world like skin and mucous membranes.
Their job: capture antigens, process them, and then present them to T lymphocytes to start the immune attack.
They’re the bridge between innate and adaptive immunity.
Which change in the immune system occurs with advancing age?
A) Thymic expanding
B) Increase in immunoglobulin levels
C) Decreased susceptibility to infections
D) Higher incidence of malignancies
D) Higher incidence of malignancies
Which category of hypersensitivity reactions do not involve antibodies?
A) Anaphylactic (Type I)
B) Cytotoxic (Type II)
C) Immune-complex (Type III)
D) Delayed hypersensitivity (Type IV)
D) Delayed hypersensitivity (Type IV)
