Overview Of The Immune System Flashcards
What is immunology?
Immunology is the study of the processes initiated by the host when confronted with non-self substances considered dangerous for the body (e.g., pathogens).
What are the two main types of immunity?
Innate immunity and adaptive immunity.
What are the key differences between innate and adaptive immunity?
Innate: Present from birth, non-specific, no memory, fast response.
Adaptive: Acquired, specific, memory-based, slower response.
What are the primary lymphoid organs?
Thymus (T cell maturation) and Bone marrow (B cell maturation).
What are the peripheral lymphoid organs?
Lymph nodes, spleen, Peyer’s patches, and MALT (Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue).
Lymphocytes recirculate to
ensure immune surveillance.
High-walled endothelial venules (HEV) allow lymphocyte entry into
peripheral lymphoid tissues.
Innate immunity relies on granulocytes, while adaptive immunity relies on
lymphocytes.
Antigen recognition leads to clonal expansion of
T and B cells.
Innate immunity has pathogen-specific memory
False
The spleen is a central lymphoid organ.
False
Adaptive immunity is slower but more specific than innate immunity.
True
B cells mediate cell-mediated immunity.
False – B cells are responsible for antibody production, while T cells mediate cell-mediated immunity.
The role of the immune system is to recognize and eliminate ________________ and maintain homeostasis.
(dangerous non-self organisms or substances)
The largest physiologic barrier to pathogen entry is the ________________.
(skin and mucosal epithelia)
The primary function of neutrophils is ________________.
(phagocytosis)
B cells mature in the ________________, while T cells mature in the ________________.
(bone marrow, thymus)
Which of the following is NOT a feature of innate immunity?
a) Present from birth
b) Pathogen-specific memory
c) Uses receptors with broad specificity
d) Triggers adaptive immune responses
Answer: (b) Pathogen-specific memory
Which cell type produces histamine and is involved in mucosal immunity?
a) Neutrophils
b) Basophils
c) Monocytes
d) Dendritic cells
Answer: (b) Basophils
Which of the following lymphoid tissues is associated with the gut?
a) BALT
b) GALT
c) NALT
d) CALT
Answer: (b) GALT
A patient has a genetic defect that prevents the development of the thymus. Which aspect of immunity would be most affected?
T cell-mediated immunity would be compromised, leading to severe immunodeficiency.
A person is exposed to a virus for the first time. Which immune response will act first?
The innate immune response will act first, providing an immediate but non-specific defense, while the adaptive immune response will develop later with specificity and memory.
A child receives a vaccine and later develops immunity to the disease. What type of immunity is this?
This is an example of adaptive immunity, specifically artificially acquired active immunity.
Antigen: A substance that induces an immune response.
A substance that induces an immune response.
Epitope:
The specific part of an antigen that is recognized by an immune receptor.
Lymphocyte:
A type of white blood cell involved in adaptive immunity.
Phagocytosis:
The process by which cells engulf and digest pathogens.
Cytokines:
Chemical messengers that regulate immune responses.
