Immunology

Question 1

What is the definition of immunology?

Answer 1

The manner in which the body recognises attacks and initiates processes to defend itself against foreign invaders that could cause harm, including its own cells in the event of malignant growth.

Question 2

What are the portals of entry for an infection?

Answer 2

Ears
Eyes
Nose
Mouth
Broken skin
Injection(insect bites/needles)
Placenta
Sex organs
Anus

Question 3

How do the eyes act as a barrier against infection?

Answer 3

Tears wash out pathogens and contain enzymes that can kill bacteria

Question 4

How does the nose act as a barrier against infection?

Answer 4

Mucus traps pathogens which are then swallowed or blown out in coughs and sneezes

Question 5

How does the mouth act as a barrier against infection?

Answer 5

Friendly bacteria help to prevent the growth of harmful pathogens. Saliva cleans and removes bacteria

Question 6

How does the skin act as a barrier against infection?

Answer 6

Dead outer layer of skin is difficult for pathogens to grow on or penetrate. Cuts allow pathogens to gain entry to the body.

Question 7

How does the reproductive system act as a barrier against infection?

Answer 7

Slightly acidic conditions in the vagina and urethrae help to stop the growth of pathogens

Question 8

How do lungs act as a barrier against infection?

Answer 8

Mucus in the lungs traps bacteria and fungal spores. Tiny hairs called cilia move the mucus to the back of the throat where it is swallowed.

Question 9

How does the stomach act as a barrier to infection?

Answer 9

Acid helps neutralise pathogens in food

Question 10

How does the large intestine act as a barrier to infection?

Answer 10

Friendly bacteria help to stop the growth of harmful pathogens

Question 11

What are the 4 types of immunity?

Answer 11

Natural active
Artificial active
Natural passive
Artificial passive

Question 12

What is natural active immunity?

Answer 12

Producing specific antibodies during infection by a virus/bacterium and memory cells remaining in the bloodstream after recovery

Question 13

Describe artificial active immunity

Answer 13

An individual is given an injection of a small dose of weakened pathogen to stimulate their immune system to produce specific antibodies against that infection? Aka. a vaccine

Question 14

What is active immunity?

Answer 14

An individual makes specific antibodies themselves in response to an encounter with a foreign antigen

Question 15

What is passive immunity?

Answer 15

Where an individual receives ready made antibodies produced in another animal/human

Question 16

Describe natural passive immunity

Answer 16

Antibodies are received by the mother, either across the placenta during pregnancy or in breast milk, particularly colostrum the first breastmilk

Question 17

Describe artificial passive immunity

Answer 17

An individual is given an injection of ready made antibodies produced in another animal. This can be in response to an acute infection which could be life threatening, where it would take too long for their immune system to produce antibodies.

Question 18

Types of immune response diagram

Answer 18