Question 1

Which of the following best describes the role of macrophages in the innate immune response?

Accepted Answer

They ingest pathogens and cellular debris, present antigens to T cells, and secrete chemicals to destroy large pathogens.

Question 2

A patient is experiencing redness, heat, swelling, and pain at the site of a cut. Which process is primarily responsible for these symptoms?

Accepted Answer

The inflammatory response mediated by the release of inflammatory mediators

Question 3

Which complement pathway is initiated when lectins bind to carbohydrates on the surface of microbes?

Accepted Answer

Lectin pathway

Question 4

What is the main function of the membrane attack complex (MAC) formed by complement proteins?

Accepted Answer

To create pores in the plasma membrane of pathogens, leading to cell lysis

Question 5

Which of the following best explains why NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) reduce inflammation and pain?

Accepted Answer

They inhibit the enzyme cyclooxygenase, preventing the formation of prostaglandins.

Question 6

Which cell type is most effective at destroying bacterial pathogens and is the most numerous granulocyte in the blood?

Accepted Answer

Neutrophils

Question 7

A patient with a parasitic infection would most likely have an increased number of which cell type?

Accepted Answer

Eosinophils

Question 8

Which cytokine is primarily responsible for attracting phagocytes to the site of infection and increasing their activity?

Accepted Answer

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)

Question 9

What is the primary action of interferons in the innate immune response?

Accepted Answer

Inhibit viral replication inside host cells

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the process of opsonization?

Accepted Answer

The coating of pathogens by C3b to enhance phagocytosis

Question 11

A patient is prescribed corticosteroids for severe inflammation. What is the mechanism of action of these drugs?

Accepted Answer

They mimic cortisol and inhibit the formation of both prostaglandins and leukotrienes.

Question 12

Which of the following is a cardinal sign of inflammation that results from increased capillary permeability?

Accepted Answer

Swelling (edema)

Question 13

During the inflammatory response, which process allows neutrophils to squeeze through capillary walls into damaged tissue?

Accepted Answer

Diapedesis

Question 14

Which of the following best explains why fever is considered a beneficial innate immune response?

Accepted Answer

It enhances the activity of immune cells and inhibits the replication of some pathogens.

Question 15

Which of the following is NOT a function of complement proteins?

Accepted Answer

Directly producing antibodies against pathogens

Question 16

A wound filled with pus is described as purulent. What is pus primarily composed of?

Accepted Answer

Dead leukocytes, dead tissue cells, and fluid

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the role of dendritic cells in innate immunity?

Accepted Answer

They are the most important antigen-presenting cells, activating T cells and, to a lesser extent, B cells.

Question 18

Which of the following is a direct effect of bradykinin and prostaglandins during inflammation?

Accepted Answer

Triggering action potentials in sensory neurons, resulting in pain

Question 19

Which of the following best explains the process of chemotaxis during the inflammatory response?

Accepted Answer

The movement of leukocytes toward higher concentrations of inflammatory mediators at the site of injury

Question 20

Which of the following is a correct sequence of events during the phagocyte response in inflammation?

Accepted Answer

Local macrophages respond first, followed by neutrophil migration, then monocyte migration and differentiation into macrophages

Innate Immunity: Internal Defenses and the Inflammatory Response

Study Guide - Practice Questions