The Immune System: Non Specific Responses

Question 1

What are the types of defences used in the immune system?

Answer 1

• Physical and chemical defences
• Inflammatory response
• Non-specific cellular responses

Question 2

What are epithelial cells?

Answer 2

The first line of defence against pathogens.

Question 3

What do epithelial cells do?

Answer 3

Form a physical barrier and some produce secretions that act as chemical barriers.

Question 4

How does mucus prevent pathogens entering the body?

Answer 4

By trapping them.

Question 5

When is the inflammatory response brough about?

Answer 5

Following an injury.

Question 6

When is the inflammatory response brought about?

Answer 6

Following an injury.

Question 7

What is stage 1 of the inflammatory response?

Answer 7

Histamine is released and dilates surrounding capillaries and increases their permeability which allows plasma proteins to gain entry from blood to the site of infection.

Question 8

What is stage 2 of the inflammatory response?

Answer 8

Vasodilation allows increased blood flow to site of infection. This allows white blood cells and mast cells to the site of infection

Question 9

What is stage 3 of the inflammatory response?

Answer 9

White blood cells produce cytokines which act as chemo-attractants. These stimulate the movement of phagocytes.

Question 10

What is stage 4 of the inflammatory response?

Answer 10

Phagocytes engulf and digest pathogens. Once engulfed the lysosomes fuse with the vesicle digesting the bacteria.