Adaptive Immune System

Question 1

Define Adaptive Immunity

Answer 1

The ability of the body to defend itself against specific invading agents such as bacteria, toxins, viruses & foreign tissues.

Question 2

Define Antigens

Answer 2

• substances that are recognized as foreign & provoke immune responses.

Question 3

2 properties that distinguish Adaptive from Innate Immunity

Answer 3

1. Specificity = for particular foreign molecules(antigens) which involves distinguishing self from non-self molecules.
2. Memory = for most previously encountered antigens.
   - second encounter = more rapid & vigorous response.

Question 4

Define immunocompetence

Answer 4

• ability to carry out adaptive immune responses.
• before T cells leave the thymus or B cells leave red bone marrow,
  they develop immunocompetence.

Question 5

2 major types of mature T cells exit the thymus:

Answer 5

1. Helper T cells (CD4+ cells)
2. Cytotoxic T cells (CD8+ cells)

Question 6

2 Types of Adaptive Immunity

Answer 6

1. Cell-Mediated Immunity
   - directed against intracellular pathogens, some cancer cells & tissue transplants.
2. Antibody-Mediated Immunity
   - directed against extracellular pathogens.