Textbook Question
Eileen presents with flu-like symptoms, including fever, chills, and body aches.
What part of the immune response is likely producing these symptoms?
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21. The Immune System
First-Line Defenses: Chemical Barriers
Problem 16
Textbook Question
Compared with innate defenses, adaptive defenses
(a) Do not distinguish between one threat and another
(b) Are always present at birth
(c) Protect against threats on an individual basis
(d) Deny the entry of pathogens to the body
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the difference between innate and adaptive defenses: Innate defenses are nonspecific and act as the body's first line of defense, while adaptive defenses are specific and tailored to individual pathogens.
Review the characteristics of innate defenses: They are present at birth, do not distinguish between different threats, and include barriers like skin and mucous membranes that deny entry to pathogens.
Examine the characteristics of adaptive defenses: Adaptive defenses develop over time, are specific to particular pathogens, and involve mechanisms like the production of antibodies and activation of T-cells.
Analyze the options provided in the question: Compare each option to the known characteristics of adaptive defenses to determine which one accurately describes them.
Conclude that adaptive defenses protect against threats on an individual basis, as they are specific to particular pathogens and involve a targeted immune response.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Innate Defenses
Innate defenses are the body's first line of defense against pathogens, characterized by their non-specific nature. They include physical barriers like skin and mucous membranes, as well as immune responses such as inflammation and phagocytosis. These defenses are present at birth and act quickly to prevent infection, but they do not adapt or improve with exposure to specific pathogens.
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First-Line Defenses
Adaptive Defenses
Adaptive defenses, also known as acquired immunity, develop over time and are specific to particular pathogens. They involve the activation of lymphocytes, such as T cells and B cells, which recognize and remember specific antigens. This system allows for a more targeted and efficient response upon subsequent exposures to the same pathogen, distinguishing it from innate defenses that respond uniformly to all threats.
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Pathogen Recognition
Pathogen recognition is a critical function of the immune system, enabling it to identify and respond to foreign invaders. Innate defenses utilize pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) to detect common features of pathogens, while adaptive defenses rely on specific receptors on lymphocytes that recognize unique antigens. This distinction is essential for understanding how the body tailors its immune response to effectively combat various infections.
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4:24Pattern Recognition Receptors
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