The Immune System: acquired immunity

Question 1

define the primary response

Answer 1

the immune response to an antigen following the first exposure

Question 2

describe the primary response

Answer 2

slow and delayed rise in antibody levels as T cells need to activate and then stimulate B cell division
mainly IgM produced
generates long-lived memory B-cells

Question 3

describe the secondary response

Answer 3

faster, more powerful as memory B cells generate
immediate antibody production
mainly IgG

Question 4

define active immunity

Answer 4

responded to an antigen and produced their own antibodies
lymphocytes activated, memory cells formed
long-lasted resistance

Question 5

define passive immunity

Answer 5

given antibodies produced by someone else
antibodies break down so short immunity

Question 6

define natural immunity

Answer 6

1) body may be stimulated to produce their own antibodies by getting the disease or having a subclinical infection (active)
2) accquired before birth by passage of maternal antibodies across placenta to fetus and to baby in breast milk (passive)

Question 7

define artificial immunity

Answer 7

1) administer dead or live artificially weakened pathogens (vaccines) or deactivated toxins (toxoids) (active)
2) serum of antibodies injected (passive)

Question 8

describe Anti D immunoglobulin function

Answer 8

administered if mother is rhesus negative and fetus is rhesus positive and their blood mixes
to prevent the mother making excessive antibodies

Question 9

why is anti D immunoglobulin important

Answer 9

mother’s antibodies can pass through the placenta and destroy fetal red blood cells
causing fetal anaemia, neonatal jaundice