Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

21. The Immune System

Antigens

Anatomy & Physiology

21. The Immune System

Antigens

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Problem 12a

Textbook Question

Mark the following statements as true or false. If a statement is false, correct is to make a true statement.
In the primary immune response, the lag phase lasts about 5 days, during which time B cells proliferate and differentiate.

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Understand the primary immune response. The primary immune response occurs when the immune system encounters an antigen for the first time. During this response, B cells are activated, proliferate, and differentiate into plasma cells and memory B cells.

Step 2: Analyze the lag phase of the primary immune response. The lag phase refers to the period between the initial exposure to the antigen and the production of detectable levels of antibodies. This phase typically lasts about 3-6 days, not exactly 5 days.

Step 3: Evaluate the statement provided. The statement claims that the lag phase lasts about 5 days and involves B cell proliferation and differentiation. While the latter part of the statement is true, the duration of the lag phase is not fixed at 5 days; it varies between 3-6 days.

Step 4: Correct the false part of the statement. The corrected statement should read: 'In the primary immune response, the lag phase lasts about 3-6 days, during which time B cells proliferate and differentiate.'

Step 5: Confirm the corrected statement aligns with the scientific understanding of the primary immune response and its lag phase duration.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Primary Immune Response

The primary immune response is the initial reaction of the immune system to a specific pathogen. It typically involves a lag phase, during which the body recognizes the pathogen and begins to activate B cells and T cells. This response can take several days to develop fully, as the immune system must produce specific antibodies and memory cells to effectively combat the pathogen.

Lag Phase

The lag phase is the period in the primary immune response where no detectable antibodies are present in the serum. This phase usually lasts about 5 to 10 days, during which B cells undergo clonal expansion and differentiation into plasma cells that produce antibodies. Understanding this phase is crucial for grasping how the immune system prepares to fight off infections.

B Cell Proliferation and Differentiation

B cell proliferation refers to the rapid division of B cells after they encounter an antigen. Differentiation is the process by which these activated B cells develop into plasma cells that secrete antibodies or memory B cells that provide long-term immunity. This process is essential for establishing an effective immune response and ensuring that the body can respond more rapidly to future infections by the same pathogen.