Question 1

Which of the following best distinguishes innate immunity from adaptive immunity?

Accepted Answer

Innate immunity responds rapidly and non-specifically, while adaptive immunity is slower but highly specific and generates memory.

Question 2

Which of the following is an example of a mechanical first line of defense in the human body?

Accepted Answer

Cilia lining the respiratory tract sweeping out pathogens

Question 3

A patient has a swollen lymph node in the neck. Which of the following best explains how lymph is collected and filtered in the body?

Accepted Answer

Lymph is collected from interstitial fluid, filtered through lymph nodes where immune cells screen for pathogens, and then returned to the circulatory system.

Question 4

Which of the following is a primary lymphoid tissue, and what is its main function?

Accepted Answer

Thymus; site of T cell maturation

Question 5

Which cell type is part of the innate immune system and is primarily responsible for phagocytosing bacteria during an acute infection?

Accepted Answer

Neutrophil

Question 6

Which of the following best describes the role of natural killer (NK) cells?

Accepted Answer

They recognize and destroy virus-infected and tumor cells without prior sensitization.

Question 7

Which of the following is a correct description of cytokines?

Accepted Answer

Cytokines are signaling proteins released by immune cells to regulate immune responses.

Question 8

During a bacterial infection, which complement pathway is most likely to be activated first, and what is one way it helps protect the body?

Accepted Answer

Alternative pathway; by forming the membrane attack complex to lyse bacteria

Question 9

Which of the following is NOT a primary function of inflammation?

Accepted Answer

To suppress the immune response to prevent further damage

Question 10

A patient presents with redness, heat, swelling, and pain at a wound site. Which physiological process is primarily responsible for the redness and heat?

Accepted Answer

Vasodilation of local blood vessels

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the sequence of events in the stages of inflammation?

Accepted Answer

Vascular changes → leukocyte recruitment → resolution

Question 12

Which feature is characteristic of chronic inflammation but not acute inflammation?

Accepted Answer

Presence of macrophages and lymphocytes with ongoing tissue destruction

Question 13

A child develops a fever after receiving a vaccine. Which of the following best explains how fever is potentially useful in fighting infection?

Accepted Answer

Fever inhibits the growth of some pathogens and enhances immune cell activity.

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the role of dendritic cells in the immune system?

Accepted Answer

They act as antigen-presenting cells, bridging innate and adaptive immunity.

Question 15

Which of the following is a chemical barrier that forms part of the first line of defense?

Accepted Answer

Low pH of gastric juice in the stomach

Question 16

A patient with a genetic deficiency in complement proteins is most likely to experience which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Increased susceptibility to bacterial infections due to impaired lysis of pathogens

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the function of secondary lymphoid tissues?

Accepted Answer

They are the sites where immune responses are initiated and lymphocytes encounter antigens.

Question 18

Which of the following best explains why memory cells are important in adaptive immunity?

Accepted Answer

They allow for a faster and stronger response upon re-exposure to the same antigen.

Question 19

A patient is exposed to a novel virus. Which immune cells are most likely to respond first, and what is their primary mechanism of action?

Accepted Answer

Natural killer (NK) cells; recognition and destruction of infected cells without prior sensitization

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the process of opsonization in the immune response?

Accepted Answer

The process by which antibodies or complement proteins coat pathogens to enhance phagocytosis

Immunity and Inflammation: Key Concepts in Microbiology

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