Question 1

Which of the following best describes the difference between innate and adaptive immunity?

Accepted Answer

Innate immunity provides a rapid, nonspecific response, while adaptive immunity provides a slower, highly specific response and immunological memory.

Question 2

Which of the following is an example of a first line of defense in the innate immune system?

Accepted Answer

Skin acting as a physical barrier to pathogens

Question 3

During the inflammatory response, which sequence of events occurs first?

Accepted Answer

Blood vessels dilate and become more permeable

Question 4

Which of the following best explains why vaccines provide long-term immunity?

Accepted Answer

Vaccines stimulate the production of memory B and T cells, which enable a faster and stronger response upon future exposure to the pathogen.

Question 5

A patient receives an injection of antibodies after being exposed to rabies. What type of immunity is this?

Accepted Answer

Passive immunity, because the antibodies are provided from an external source and no memory cells are formed.

Question 6

Which of the following is a function of the complement system in innate immunity?

Accepted Answer

Enhancing inflammation and promoting phagocytosis

Question 7

A person with severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) is most likely to experience which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Frequent and severe infections due to a lack of functional immune defenses

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the relationship between antigens and antibodies?

Accepted Answer

Antibodies are proteins produced by B cells that specifically bind to antigens to help neutralize or eliminate them.

Question 9

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates the concept of secondary immune response?

Accepted Answer

A person receives a booster vaccine and produces a rapid, high level of antibodies.

Question 10

Which of the following is NOT a typical function of natural killer (NK) cells in innate immunity?

Accepted Answer

Directly producing antibodies

Question 11

A person develops hives and difficulty breathing after eating peanuts. Which immune system disorder does this represent?

Accepted Answer

Allergic reaction (hypersensitivity)

Question 12

Which of the following best explains why passive immunity is temporary?

Accepted Answer

No memory B or T cells are formed, so the protection fades as the transferred antibodies are degraded.

Question 13

Which of the following is a real-world example of cell-mediated immunity?

Accepted Answer

A cytotoxic T cell recognizes and destroys a virus-infected cell.

Question 14

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

Accepted Answer

They are proteins released by virus-infected cells that help neighboring cells resist viral infection.

Question 15

Which of the following is a key difference between primary and secondary immune responses?

Accepted Answer

The secondary response produces more antibodies more quickly due to the presence of memory cells.

Question 16

Which of the following is an example of an autoimmune disorder?

Accepted Answer

Rheumatoid arthritis

Question 17

Which of the following best explains why a person with AIDS is more susceptible to infections?

Accepted Answer

Their immune system is weakened due to the destruction of helper T cells by HIV.

Question 18

Which of the following is a correct statement about the role of memory cells in immunity?

Accepted Answer

Memory cells allow the immune system to respond more rapidly and effectively to subsequent exposures to the same antigen.

Question 19

A person receives a flu vaccine and later is exposed to the flu virus. Which of the following best describes what happens in their immune system?

Accepted Answer

Their adaptive immune system will mount a rapid and strong secondary response due to memory cells formed after vaccination.

Question 20

Which of the following is a real-world example of acquired immunity through natural active means?

Accepted Answer

A person recovers from chickenpox and is protected from future infections.

The Immune System: Innate and Adaptive Defenses

Study Guide - Practice Questions