Anatomy of the immune system

Question 1

What cells does the innate immune system contain?

Answer 1

Macrophages, neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, NK cells

Cytokines

Question 2

What cells do the adaptive immune system contain?

Answer 2

T cells and B cells

Question 3

What is phagocytosis?

Answer 3

1. Bind to Pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) pathogen and engulf it
2. Pathogen gets coated (opsonised) by antiboes wheich then bind to receptors on the phagocyte and initiate phagocytosis
3. Once pathogen is ingested, macrophages become antigen presenting cells

Question 4

What are NK cells?

Answer 4

Natural killer cells

Involved in attacking and inducing cells to kill themselves (self induced apoptosis)

Question 5

What are the functions of cytokines?

Answer 5

Causes inflammation
Attracts additionaly immune sells
Increases physical barrier effectiveness
Promotes tissue repair upon removal of infectious agent

Question 6

What is the function of histamine?

Answer 6

Local vasodilator and attracts leukocytes. Produced by basophils and mast cells

Question 7

What is the function of interleukins?

Answer 7

Chemical messengers involved in communication among leukocytes

Question 8

What is the function of bradykinin?

Answer 8

Vasodilator and pain stimulator receptor

Question 9

What are the functions of the Adaptive immune system?

Answer 9

1. Recognition of ‘non self antigens’ from ‘self’
2. Generate a tailored response to eliminate specific antigen
3. Development of immunological memory

Question 10

What are the functions of spleen?

Answer 10

1. Immune responses against blood-borne antigens

2. Responsible for monitoring and removing old or damaged RBCs