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

First-Line Defenses: Chemical Barriers

Anatomy & Physiology

21. The Immune System

First-Line Defenses: Chemical Barriers

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Problem L2.1c

Textbook Question

Eileen presents with flu-like symptoms, including fever, chills, and body aches.

c. What might it mean if lymphocytes instead of neutrophils were elevated? Explain your reasoning.

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the role of neutrophils and lymphocytes in the immune system: Neutrophils are the first responders to bacterial infections and are part of the innate immune system. Lymphocytes, including T cells, B cells, and natural killer cells, are part of the adaptive immune system and are more involved in viral infections or chronic immune responses.

Analyze the significance of elevated lymphocytes: Elevated lymphocytes typically indicate the body is responding to a viral infection rather than a bacterial one. This is because lymphocytes are specialized in identifying and targeting virus-infected cells.

Relate the symptoms to the immune response: Flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, and body aches are commonly associated with viral infections. If lymphocytes are elevated, it supports the hypothesis that Eileen's symptoms are due to a viral infection, such as influenza.

Consider the reasoning behind the immune system's response: The elevation of lymphocytes suggests that the adaptive immune system is actively working to combat the virus. This involves processes like the production of antibodies by B cells and the destruction of infected cells by T cells.

Conclude the importance of the observation: Elevated lymphocytes instead of neutrophils provide a clue to the type of pathogen causing the illness. This information can guide further diagnostic tests or treatments, such as antiviral medications rather than antibiotics, which target bacterial infections.

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Key Concepts

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

Lymphocytes

Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell that play a crucial role in the immune system, particularly in the adaptive immune response. They are primarily involved in recognizing and responding to specific pathogens, such as viruses. An elevation in lymphocytes often indicates a viral infection or a chronic inflammatory condition, as they are typically activated in response to these types of challenges.

Neutrophils

Neutrophils are another type of white blood cell, essential for the innate immune response. They are the first responders to sites of infection, particularly bacterial infections, and are characterized by their ability to engulf and destroy pathogens. A decrease in neutrophils, or neutropenia, can suggest a shift in the immune response, often indicating a viral infection or bone marrow suppression.

Differential White Blood Cell Count

A differential white blood cell count is a laboratory test that measures the percentage of different types of white blood cells in the blood. This test helps in diagnosing various conditions by indicating the nature of the immune response. An increase in lymphocytes relative to neutrophils can suggest a viral infection, while a predominance of neutrophils typically points to bacterial infections.

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Textbook Question

Which of the following functions is/are performed by complement proteins?

a. Cell lysis

b. Opsonization

c. Enhancing inflammation

d. Only a and b

e. All of the above

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Multiple Choice

The ____________ glands create sebum which makes the skin more __________ which decreases microbial growth.

Which of the following is/are secreted by leukocytes and macrophages and result(s) in a fever?

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Textbook Question

Mark the following statements as true or false. If a statement is false, correct it to make a true statement.

d.Interleukin-1 is a cytokine that prevents viral replication in infected cells.

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Textbook Question

Interferons are referred to as antiviral proteins. What stimulates their production, and how do they protect uninfected cells? Which cells of the body secrete interferons?

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Multiple Choice

Which of the following is NOT a sign of inflammation?

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Textbook Question

More than one choice may apply.

Which of the following are among the most common indicators of inflammation?

a. Phagocytosis

b. Edema

c. Leukocytosis