UNIT 3 IMMUNE READING GUIDE

Question 1

Describe 3 functions of the immune system?

Answer 1

1. Defense: from microorganisms/ prevent infection by attacking
2. Homeostasis : damaged cells are digested and removed from the body- maintains uniformity of different cells in the body.
3. Surveillance: Mutation continually arise in the body but our cells normally recognize and destroy anything not self

Question 2

What is an antigen and what does it do?

Answer 2

Is a substance that elicits an immune response. All cells in the body have antigens on their surface that are unique to that person and enable the body to recognize self.

Question 3

What are antibodies? What do they do?

Answer 3

Antibodies aka immunoglobulins are proteins that protect you when an unwanted substance enters your body

Question 4

Whats the difference between antibody and antigen?

Answer 4

1. Antigens allow your body to create a defense against future invaders.
2. Antibodies circulate in your body once created to identify, attack and destroy the same type of antigens if they enter body again.

Question 5

List three physical barriers of the innate immune system:

Answer 5

Coughing/vomiting and sneezing, skin

Question 6

How is the acquired (or adaptive) immune system response different from the innate immune response.

Answer 6

1. Innate is present at birth. Its primary role is first line defense against pathogens. Innate immunity is not antigen specific so it can responds within minutes
2. Development of immunity passively or actively.

Question 7

What is something natural killer cells can do that other lymphocytes cannot?

Answer 7

They do not need prior sensitization for their generation. These cells are involved in recognition and killing of virus infected cells, tumor cells and transplanted grafts.

Question 8

Autoimmune diseases are a type of _____ response, when the body fails to recognize self-proteins and reacts against self-antigens.

Answer 8

Hypersensitivity reactions

Question 9

Which type of hypersensitivity reaction would be involved with an autoimmune disease, like rheumatoid arthritis or SLE?

Answer 9

Immune-complex

Question 10

Who are more likely to develop an autoimmune disorder? Men or women?

Answer 10

Women

Question 11

List 3 symptoms you might observe or a patient might report when assessing a patient with RA?

Answer 11

1. Joint stiffness, Joint pain
2. Fatigue
3. Anorexia, weight loss
4. Joint deformities

Question 12

List 2 possible extraarticular manifestations of RA and give a brief description

Answer 12

1. Skin- thinning ulceration
2. Pleura- effusion
3. Sjgrens syndrom- damage due to inflammation of the tear-producing lacrimal gland.
4. Rheumatoid nodules