Question 1

Which of the following best describes the primary function of the skin and mucous membranes in the immune system?

Accepted Answer

They serve as the first line of defense by forming a physical barrier to pathogens.

Question 2

A patient with a severe burn over a large area of skin is at increased risk for infection primarily because:

Accepted Answer

The first line of defense, the surface barrier, is compromised.

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT a function of inflammation?

Accepted Answer

Directly produces antibodies to neutralize pathogens.

Question 4

During phagocytosis, what is the role of the phagolysosome?

Accepted Answer

It fuses with the pathogen-containing vesicle and digests the pathogen with lysosomal enzymes.

Question 5

Which of the following best explains why fever can be beneficial during infection?

Accepted Answer

Fever causes the liver and spleen to sequester iron and zinc, which bacteria need to multiply.

Question 6

A child receives a vaccine containing an inactivated virus. Which type of immunity is being induced?

Accepted Answer

Artificially acquired active immunity

Question 7

Which of the following is a correct sequence of events during the mobilization of phagocytes to an inflamed area?

Accepted Answer

Leukocytosis → Margination → Diapedesis → Chemotaxis

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the role of interferons in the immune response?

Accepted Answer

They are secreted by virally infected cells to protect neighboring cells by inducing synthesis of antiviral proteins.

Question 9

Which of the following statements about antigens is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

Antigens are substances that can mobilize the adaptive immune response and have immunogenicity and reactivity.

Question 10

A patient receives an injection of antibodies against rabies after being bitten by a potentially rabid animal. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Artificially acquired passive immunity

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the difference between humoral and cellular immunity?

Accepted Answer

Humoral immunity is mediated by antibodies produced by B cells, while cellular immunity involves direct attack by T cells.

Question 12

Which of the following is a function of helper T cells (CD4+)?

Accepted Answer

Activate B cells and cytotoxic T cells by releasing cytokines.

Question 13

Which of the following best explains why tissue matching is important in organ transplantation?

Accepted Answer

To minimize the risk of rejection by the recipient's immune system, especially cytotoxic T cells.

Question 14

Which of the following is a correct statement about the secondary immune response?

Accepted Answer

It is faster, stronger, and produces antibodies with higher affinity for the antigen.

Question 15

Which of the following mechanisms is used by cytotoxic T cells to destroy infected cells?

Accepted Answer

Release of perforins and granzymes to induce apoptosis in the target cell.

Question 16

A person with a genetic defect that prevents the production of MHC proteins would likely experience which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Impaired activation of T cells due to inability to present antigens.

Question 17

Which of the following is a characteristic of autoimmune diseases?

Accepted Answer

The immune system attacks self-antigens, leading to tissue destruction.

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the process of positive selection in T cell maturation?

Accepted Answer

T cells that recognize self-MHC proteins survive.

Question 19

Which of the following is a real-life example of artificially acquired passive immunity?

Accepted Answer

Receiving an injection of antivenom after a snake bite.

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the role of antigen-presenting cells (APCs) in the adaptive immune response?

Accepted Answer

They engulf antigens and present fragments on their surface to T cells.

The Immune System: Innate and Adaptive Body Defenses

Study Guide - Practice Questions