Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Innate immunity is inborn, provides a rapid, nonspecific response, and lacks memory, whereas adaptive immunity matures over time, is specific to pathogens, and exhibits memory.

Question 2

A patient presents with a bacterial infection and a differential white blood cell count reveals neutrophilia. What does this finding most likely indicate?

Accepted Answer

The patient has an elevated neutrophil count, which is commonly associated with bacterial infections.

Question 3

Which of the following is an example of a mechanical barrier in the first line of immune defense?

Accepted Answer

The mucociliary escalator sweeping mucus away from the lungs and toward the mouth.

Question 4

A child is born without a thymus due to a genetic deletion. Which of the following consequences is most likely?

Accepted Answer

The child will not produce mature T lymphocytes.

Question 5

Which of the following statements about the complement system is correct?

Accepted Answer

The complement system consists of over 30 proteins that, when activated, can opsonize pathogens, form membrane attack complexes, and enhance inflammation.

Question 6

Which of the following is a function of cytokines in the immune system?

Accepted Answer

They are signaling proteins that help cells communicate, initiating and coordinating immune actions.

Question 7

A researcher observes that germ-free animals have underdeveloped immune systems. This finding supports which hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

The hygiene hypothesis, which proposes that reduced exposure to microbes impairs immune system development.

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the process of phagocytosis?

Accepted Answer

A cell engulfs nondissolved, larger particles such as whole bacterial cells, viruses, or debris.

Question 9

Which of the following is an organic molecule produced by bacteria to sequester iron from host iron-binding proteins?

Accepted Answer

Siderophore

Question 10

During the vascular changes phase of inflammation, which of the following occurs?

Accepted Answer

Blood vessels dilate and become more permeable, allowing exudate to accumulate in tissues.

Question 11

Which of the following is a cardinal sign of inflammation?

Accepted Answer

Redness

Question 12

A patient with a chronic inflammatory condition is at increased risk for which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Tissue injury, atherosclerosis, and certain cancers

Question 13

Which of the following best explains why a low-grade fever is considered protective during infection?

Accepted Answer

It enhances antiviral effects of interferons, increases phagocyte efficiency, and limits growth of certain pathogens.

Question 14

Which of the following is a correct sequence for the flow of lymph through the lymphatic system?

Accepted Answer

Lymphatic capillaries, lymphatic vessels, lymph node, lymphatic trunk

Question 15

Which of the following is a function of interleukin-2 (IL-2)?

Accepted Answer

Is central to T cell development, self-tolerance, and triggering apoptosis.

Question 16

Which of the following is a correct description of the role of mast cells?

Accepted Answer

They reside in tissues, release histamine, play a role in allergies and fighting parasites, and are able to conduct phagocytosis.

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the process of margination during inflammation?

Accepted Answer

Leukocytes slow down and adhere to the blood vessel wall before exiting into tissues.

Question 18

Which of the following is a shared feature of both innate and adaptive immunity?

Accepted Answer

They both recognize diverse pathogens, eliminate identified invaders, and discriminate between self and foreign antigens.

Question 19

A patient is given an antipyretic such as ibuprofen to treat a fever. What is the mechanism of action of this medication?

Accepted Answer

It decreases the production of prostaglandins, thereby lowering the set point for body temperature.

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the role of chemokines?

Accepted Answer

They are signaling proteins that induce chemotaxis, attracting immune cells to sites of infection or injury.

Innate Immunity: First and Second Lines of Defense in the Immune System

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