Question 1

Which of the following best describes the role of skin and mucous membranes in immunity?

Accepted Answer

They function as physical barriers in innate immunity, preventing entry of microbes.

Question 2

A patient consumes food contaminated with pathogenic bacteria but does not become ill due to the acidic environment of the stomach. This protection is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Innate immunity, which provides nonspecific immunity.

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT considered a first-line defense of the innate immune system?

Accepted Answer

Phagocytosis by immune cells

Question 4

Keratin is important in the epidermis for defense against infection because:

Accepted Answer

Keratin is hydrophobic, keeping the skin dry and decreasing microbial growth.

Question 5

Which layer of the skin is responsible for shedding dead cells along with attached microbes?

Accepted Answer

Epidermis

Question 6

Which of the following is a chemical barrier in the first-line defense of innate immunity?

Accepted Answer

Stomach acid

Question 7

A person is exposed to a new virus. Which immune response will act first?

Accepted Answer

Innate immunity, providing immediate nonspecific defense.

Question 8

Which of the following is a function of the normal human microbiome in immunity?

Accepted Answer

It competes with pathogens for resources, limiting their growth.

Question 9

Which of the following is NOT a physical barrier in the first-line defense?

Accepted Answer

Digestive enzymes in saliva

Question 10

Which statement best describes the difference between innate and adaptive immunity?

Accepted Answer

Innate immunity is nonspecific and present at birth; adaptive immunity is specific and develops after exposure.

Question 11

Which of the following is an example of a physical barrier that prevents microbial entry?

Accepted Answer

Epidermis

Question 12

A patient with a burn injury loses the outer layer of skin. Which first-line defense is compromised?

Accepted Answer

Physical barrier

Question 13

Which of the following is a correct sequence for the layers of the skin from outermost to innermost?

Accepted Answer

Epidermis → Dermis → Hypodermis

Question 14

Which of the following is NOT a function of the epidermis in immunity?

Accepted Answer

Secreting antibodies to neutralize pathogens

Question 15

Which of the following best explains why the skin is considered a first-line defense?

Accepted Answer

It acts as a physical barrier, preventing entry of pathogens.

Question 16

Which of the following is a component of the mucous membrane that contributes to immunity?

Accepted Answer

Secretion of mucus that traps microbes

Question 17

Which of the following is a correct description of the dermis?

Accepted Answer

It is a deeper layer of skin composed of connective tissue, making it tough to break.

Question 18

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of innate immunity?

Accepted Answer

It is specific to individual pathogens.

Question 19

Which of the following is a function of the shedding of the outer layer of the epidermis?

Accepted Answer

It removes attached microbes from the skin surface.

Question 20

Which of the following is a reason why the skin is difficult for microbes to penetrate?

Accepted Answer

The skin contains tightly packed epithelial cells and keratin.

Innate and Adaptive Immunity: Physical Barriers and First-Line Defenses

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