Question 1

Which of the following best describes the primary function of the immune system?

Accepted Answer

To tolerate self components, selectively recognize and respond to non-self, and differentiate between harmless and harmful non-self

Question 2

Which of the following is NOT a class of pathogen protected against by the immune system?

Accepted Answer

Prions

Question 3

A patient presents with ringworm. Which class of pathogen is responsible for this disease?

Accepted Answer

Fungus

Question 4

Which of the following is an example of a disease caused by a protozoan parasite?

Accepted Answer

Malaria

Question 5

Which anatomical barrier is LEAST likely to be breached by a respiratory virus?

Accepted Answer

Skin

Question 6

A pathogen enters the body through a scratch. Which immune defense is most likely to act first?

Accepted Answer

Anatomic barriers

Question 7

Which of the following is a correct sequence of immune response to a pathogen?

Accepted Answer

Anatomic barriers → Complement proteins → Innate immune cells → Adaptive immunity

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the role of complement proteins in immunity?

Accepted Answer

They form part of the innate immune response by marking pathogens for destruction

Question 9

A patient is infected with HIV. Which type of immune cell is primarily targeted by this virus?

Accepted Answer

Helper T cells (CD4+)

Question 10

Which of the following is an example of the immune system failing to tolerate self components?

Accepted Answer

Autoimmune disease

Question 11

If a pathogen is not removed during the innate immune response, what is the next line of defense?

Accepted Answer

Adaptive immunity

Question 12

Which of the following best explains why the immune system does not attack harmless non-self components such as food proteins?

Accepted Answer

The immune system differentiates between harmless and harmful non-self components

Question 13

Which of the following is a function of B cells in adaptive immunity?

Accepted Answer

Production of antibodies

Question 14

A patient with a genetic deficiency in C3 protein would most likely have problems with which aspect of immunity?

Accepted Answer

Complement/antimicrobial protein function

Question 15

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates the concept of 'dangerous non-self'?

Accepted Answer

The immune system attacks Salmonella enteritidis

Question 16

Which of the following is a correct pairing of pathogen and disease?

Accepted Answer

Mycobacterium tuberculosis – Tuberculosis

Question 17

Which immune cells are part of the innate immune system?

Accepted Answer

Macrophages

Question 18

A patient is bitten by an arthropod vector and develops malaria. Which route of pathogen entry was used?

Accepted Answer

Capillary (via arthropod bite)

Question 19

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

Accepted Answer

Innate immunity acts first and can activate adaptive immunity if the pathogen is not cleared

Question 20

Which of the following is a multi-step process involving both innate and adaptive immunity?

Accepted Answer

Pathogen enters via alimentary tract, is recognized by macrophages, and then specific antibodies are produced

Introduction to the Immune System: Principles and Mechanisms

Study Guide - Practice Questions