Intro To Immunology

Question 1

What is the purpose of the immune system?

Answer 1

The immune system is designed to defend the body against foreign or dangerous invaders. Such invaders include: microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi), parasites (worms), cancer cells, transplanted organs/tissues.

Question 2

List the organs and tissues of the immune system.

Answer 2

Lymphoid organs. Bone marrow: soft tissue in hollow center of bones. Ultimate source of all blood cells, including immune cells.

Question 3

List organs and tissues of the immune system.

Answer 3

thymus: lies behind breastbone. Lymphocytes = T-lymphocytes, t-cells mature here

Question 4

List the organs and tissues of the immune system.

Answer 4

Spleen: flattened organ at upper left of abdomen. Contains specialized compartments where immune cells gather and confront antigens.

Question 5

List the organs and tissues of the immune system.

Answer 5

Lymphoid tissue found in clumps in many parts of the body, especially in linings of digestive tract, airways, and lungs. Tissues include Tonsils, Adenoids, and Appendix

Question 6

List the cells involved in the immune response and their functions.

Answer 6

Neutrophils: engulf bacteria and send out warning signals

Question 7

List the cells involved in the immune response and their functions

Answer 7

Monocytes: turn into macrophages in body tissues and gobble up foreign invaders.

Question 8

List the cells involved in the immune response and their functions

Answer 8

Eosinophils: grain containing cells, attack parasites

Question 9

List the cells involved in the immune response and their functions

Answer 9

Basophils: release granules containing histamine and other allergy related molecules.

Question 10

List the cells involved int he immune response and their functions

Answer 10

Lymphocytes: small WBC, respond later in infection. Mount more specifically tailored attack after antigen presenting cells such as dendritic cells (macrophages) display their catch in the form of antigen fragments

Question 11

List the cells involved in the immune response and their functions

Answer 11

B-cell: turns into plasma cell that produces and releases into the bloodstream thousands of specific antibodies.

Question 12

List the cells involved in the immune response and their functions

Answer 12

T-cells: coordinate entire immune response and eliminate the viruses hiding in infected cells

Question 13

List the 1st line of defense that the body uses to keep pathogens out of the body and components of this defense

Answer 13

Protective barriers. Skin and mucus membranes
Mechanical and Chemical barriers: these include not only the physical barrier (skin) of the tissue but also chemical (hydrochloric acid of the stomach, enzymes in tears, and others) and the flushing action of tears, urine, and saliva.

Question 14

What is the function of normal flora and why is it important?

Answer 14

-competes with invaders for space and nutrients
-produce compounds (bacteriocins) which kill other bacteria
-decrease the pH so that other bacteria cannot grow

Question 15

What can alter the normal flora of the body?

Answer 15

With any antibiotic or disinfectant, the normal flora is disturbed and may predispose to infection. The normal flora is changed or obliterated and the pathogenic microbes are able to move in and outcompete the good microbes.

Question 16

Understand innate immunity and the cells that are involved

Answer 16

Innate immunity = no-specific

Question 17

Understand innate immunity and the cells involved

Answer 17

Natural immunity present at birth and does not have to be learned through exposure to invader. Involves phagocytosis and inflammation.

Question 18

Understand innate immunity and the cells that are involved

Answer 18

Includes WBC (monocytes/macrophages, neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils) and chemicals. Cells and chemical defenses that rapidly respond to invasion - NON SPECIFIC response against a specific antigen. The innate immune system lacks any form of memory and each infection is treated identically.

Question 19

Understand innate immunity and the cells that are involved.

Answer 19

Monocytes circulate in the blood, macrophages are found in tissues throughout body, dendritic cells are more stationary and monitor their environment from one spot such as the skin, neutrophils cells that circulate in the blood but move into tissue when needed.

Question 20

What cells are called phagocytes?

Answer 20

Monocytes, macrophages, dendritic, and neutrophils

Question 21

How do neutrophils destroy microbes?

Answer 21

Neutrophils are both phagocytes and granulocytes. They contain granules filled with potent chemicals. These chemicals in addition to destroying microorganisms, play a key role in acute inflammatory reactions.

Question 22

Understand Acquired immunity and the cells involved.

Answer 22

“Specific response to a specific antigen”
Learned or acquired from exposure to the specific microbe via natural exposure or by vaccine.
The acquire immune system can recognize foreign invaders, destroy them, and retain memory of the encounter. If the animal encounters the same organism a 2nd time, the immune system responds more rapidly and effectively.

Question 23

Understand acquired immunity and the cells involved.

Answer 23

2 types of acquired/specific immunity
-cell-mediated immunity provided by T-lymphocytes
-humoral immunity provided by B-lymphocytes (antibodies produced)

Question 24

How does innate differ from acquired immunity?

Answer 24

Innate: immunity present from birth, does not have to be learned through exposure. Each infection treated identically.
Acquired: learned or acquired from exposure. “Specific response to a specific antigen”