The Immune System

Question 1

What is the immune system?

Answer 1

The body’s defense against disease-causing organisms, malfunctioning cells, and foreign particles

The immune system includes various mechanisms that protect the body from infections and diseases.

Question 2

What are the two types of immune responses?

Answer 2

1. Innate
2. Adaptive

Innate immunity responds to non-specific foreign substances, while adaptive immunity is specific.

Question 3

Describe innate immunity.

Answer 3

Born with, attacks non-self cells, always ON, has no memory, slower response, first line of defense

Innate immunity includes physical barriers like skin and mucosal surfaces.

Question 4

What is the role of the skin in the immune system?

Answer 4

The dead outer layer (epidermis) shields against invaders and secretes killing chemicals

Skin acts as a physical barrier and also has antimicrobial properties.

Question 5

How do mucus and cilia contribute to the immune response?

Answer 5

Mucus traps bacteria, and cilia sweep mucus into the throat for coughing or swallowing

This mechanism helps clear pathogens from the respiratory system.

Question 6

What is the function of saliva in the immune system?

Answer 6

Saliva contains enzymes that break down bacteria

Saliva helps in the initial digestion and also has antibacterial properties.

Question 7

How does stomach acid contribute to immunity?

Answer 7

Swallowed bacteria can be killed by stomach acid

The acidic environment of the stomach is hostile to many pathogens.

Question 8

What is the inflammatory response?

Answer 8

Injured body cells release histamines, causing capillaries to dilate, pyrogens to increase temperature, and pain receptors to activate

This response helps to isolate and eliminate pathogens and promote healing.

Question 9

What are the two types of adaptive immunity?

Answer 9

1. Active Immunity
2. Passive Immunity

Active immunity is developed through exposure, while passive immunity is transferred from another source, such as a mother.

Question 10

What is active immunity?

Answer 10

Exposed to infection, antibodies created, body responds faster upon re-exposure

Active immunity can be developed through natural infection or vaccination.

Question 11

What is passive immunity?

Answer 11

Immunity passed from mother to child through the placenta or breast milk

Passive immunity provides temporary protection to infants.

Question 12

What are vaccines?

Answer 12

Antigens (weakened or killed pathogens) introduced to the immune system

Vaccines stimulate the immune response without causing disease.

Question 13

What factors affect how long immunity lasts?

Answer 13

Depends on antigen and can be affected by mutations

Some vaccines may require boosters to maintain immunity.

Question 14

True or False: Antibodies are produced immediately upon exposure to a new pathogen.

Answer 14

False

It takes time for the immune system to recognize and respond to new pathogens.

Question 15

Fill in the blank: The immune system’s first line of defense includes _______.

Answer 15

Skin

Skin serves as a physical barrier to pathogens.

Question 16

What happens when the body is exposed to a pathogen for the first time?

Answer 16

Antibodies are created, and it takes longer to mount a response

Subsequent exposures are dealt with more quickly due to immunological memory.