Introduction

Question 1

Briefly describe the function of the immune system

Answer 1

The immune system keeps us fit and healthy and it protects us from -
- cuts and burns
- chemicals and toxins
- pathogens and bacteria
- it also monitors for internal threats

Question 2

Describe the different components of the immune system

Answer 2

It is a complex organisation with communication between organs, tissues, cells and soluble mediators

Question 3

How is the immune system divided ?

Answer 3

It is divided into the innate immune system and adaptive immune system
- they are constantly working together and there is huge overlap

Question 4

What is the innate immune system ?

Answer 4

• we are born with it (doesn’t need to be learned)
• provides a rapid response

Question 5

What is the adaptive immune system ?

Answer 5

• develops with age
• takes longer to become activated
• it is highly specific to the threat encountered

Question 6

What is the outermost layer of the immune system and the first line of defence ?

Answer 6

• barriers which prevent threats from entering the body
  E.g. mucus and skin

Question 7

What are the primary lymphoid organs ?

Answer 7

• thymus
• spleen
• bone marrow

Question 8

What is the function of white blood cells ?

Answer 8

They move around the body looking for sites of infection and if they do detect infection then soluble mediators come in to play to neutralise and communicate the threat

Question 9

What is involved in the neutralisation of infection ?

Answer 9

The complement system

Question 10

What is involved in the communication of infection ?

Answer 10

• cytokines : direct the immune response
• chemokines : direct the cells to the site of infection

Question 11

What are the 4 Rs involved in the function of the immune system ?

Answer 11

Recognise
React
Regulate
Remember

Question 12

Where do the cells of the immune system develop from ?

Answer 12

They develop from haematopoietic stem cells

Question 13

Briefly describe haematopoietic activity

Answer 13

• between 1-3 months pre birthhighest in the yolk sac
• between 2-7 months pre birth highest in the liver and spleen
• between 5 months pre birth and 30 years old highest in long bones
• from birth upto the rest of life highest in the vertebra, ribs, sternum and pelvis

Question 14

What is the myeloid lineage of the haematopoietic stem cells ?

Answer 14

This lineage gives rise to cells of the innate immune system

Question 15

What is the lymphoid lineage of the haematopoietic stem cells ?

Answer 15

• gives rise to innate lymphoid cells
• only respond to generalised things
• not involved in memory

Question 16

Which cells act as a link between the innate and adaptive immune system ?

Answer 16

Dendritic cells