Question 1

Which of the following is NOT a function of the skin in the body's first line of defense against pathogens?

Accepted Answer

Skin produces antibodies to neutralize pathogens

Question 2

A patient presents with a parasitic worm infection. Which leukocyte would you expect to be elevated in their differential white blood cell count?

Accepted Answer

Eosinophils

Question 3

Which chemical secreted by sweat glands acts directly to inhibit the growth of pathogens on the skin?

Accepted Answer

Salt

Question 4

Why doesn’t lysozyme released in tears harm a person’s eyes?

Accepted Answer

Lysozyme targets bacterial cell walls, not human cells

Question 5

Which of the following is a correct sequence of events in phagocytosis?

Accepted Answer

Chemotaxis → Adhesion → Ingestion → Maturation → Killing → Elimination

Question 6

Which Toll-like receptor (TLR) is most likely to recognize the lipid A component of Gram-negative bacteria?

Accepted Answer

TLR4

Question 7

A patient with a viral infection is likely to have elevated levels of which type of interferon?

Accepted Answer

Type I (alpha and beta)

Question 8

Which pathway of complement activation is triggered by antibodies binding to antigens?

Accepted Answer

Classical pathway

Question 9

What is the primary function of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs)?

Accepted Answer

To bind and kill bacteria

Question 10

Which of the following is a vasodilating chemical involved in inflammation?

Accepted Answer

Histamine

Question 11

During acute inflammation, which process is responsible for the migration of phagocytes to the site of infection?

Accepted Answer

Chemotaxis

Question 12

Which of the following is NOT a mechanism by which the microbiome protects the host?

Accepted Answer

Direct phagocytosis of pathogens

Question 13

A fever is triggered when pyrogens stimulate which organ to increase the body’s core temperature?

Accepted Answer

Hypothalamus

Question 14

Which of the following is a correct equation for the activation of complement component C3?

Accepted Answer

$$C3 \rightarrow C3a + C3b$$

Question 15

Which cell type is most involved in adaptive immunity?

Accepted Answer

Lymphocytes

Question 16

Which of the following is a plausible outcome of chronic inflammation?

Accepted Answer

Long-lasting tissue damage

Question 17

Which of the following is NOT a function of antimicrobial peptides?

Accepted Answer

Stimulate adaptive immunity

Question 18

Which of the following is a real-world example of microbial antagonism?

Accepted Answer

Normal gut flora outcompeting pathogenic Salmonella for nutrients

Question 19

Which of the following is a correct statement about NOD proteins?

Accepted Answer

They are cytosolic proteins that bind PAMPs and trigger inflammation

Question 20

Which of the following is a plausible reason why pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) are necessary for Toll-like receptors (TLRs) to function?

Accepted Answer

TLRs require PAMPs to distinguish self from non-self molecules

Innate Immunity: The Body’s First and Second Lines of Defense

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