Immune System

Question 0

[Non-Specific Immunity]

The First Line of Defence is divided into 3 lines. What are they?

Answer 0

1. mechanical barriers - intact skin and mucous membranes
2. chemical barriers - saliva, tears and perspiration
3. reflexes - coughing, sneezing, vomiting, diarrhoea

Question 1

What is the function of the immune system?

Answer 1

it defends our body through defence mechanisms. these are classified as specific and non-specific immunity.

Question 2

[Non-Specific Immunity]

What is the second line of defence?

Answer 2

1. Inflammation and fever
2. protective proteins that are produced in response to viruses and bacteria
3. natural killer cells (lymphocytes) which are released into the bloodstream
4. phagocytosis - when certain white blood cells known as phagocytes ingest and destroy pathogens and other foreign substances

Question 3

Specific immunity is the third line of defence. Explain it further?

Answer 3

• refers to mechanisms with very specific action.
• T&B lymphocytes play a key role.
• An antigen is a foreign substance to which lymphocytes respond.

Question 4

What is naturally acquired active immunity?

Answer 4

When the body is exposed to a disease and develops immunity through the action of T&B cells in the body.

Question 5

What is naturally acquired passive immunity?

Answer 5

The immunity that is passed on from mother to baby.

Question 6

Name and explain some common health problems associated with the immune system.

Answer 6

• Allergy
• Autoimmune disorders
• Immune deficiencies

Question 7

Define autoimmune disorders?

Answer 7

A condition whereby the body produces antibodies against itself. Eg: rheumatoid arthritis.

Question 8

What is immune deficiencies?

Answer 8

Immune deficiencies are acquired or congenital. An example of acquired immune deficiencies is HIV/AIDS.

Question 9

what is the function of the lymphatic system?

Answer 9

• remove foreign substances and waste products from the blood and lymph eg dead cells, bacteria, viruses, and cancer cells.
• fight disease and and maintain the balance of fluid in the tissues.

Question 10

what is the lymphatic system comprised of?

Answer 10

• Lymphatic capillaries
• Lymphatic vessels
• Lymphatic nodes
• Lymphatic tissue
• Lymphatic ducts

Question 11

Where are lymph nodes found?

Answer 11

the axilla, in the neck and in the groin.

Question 12

where is lymphatic tissue found?

Answer 12

in the spleen, the tonsils and the thymus. the lymphatic tissue is where the lymphocytes are formed.

Question 13

the lymph is transported from the l____ c______ through successively larger l______ v_____called l_______ c_______ v______.
the r____ lymphatic d___ drains the lymph from the right arm, ride side of the t_____ and head. the l____ t______ duct receives l____ from the rest of the body.

Answer 13

the lymph is transported from the lymph capillaries through successively larger lymphatic vessels called lymphatic collecting vessels.
the right lymphatic duct drains the lymph from the right arm, ride side of the thorax and head. the large thoracic duct receives lymph from the rest of the body.

Question 14

Signs and symptoms of infection?

Answer 14

Localised: inflammation, redness, pain
Systemic: fever, malaise, raised white cell count