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

Introduction to Adaptive Immunity

Anatomy & Physiology

21. The Immune System

Introduction to Adaptive Immunity

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1:38 minutes

Problem 11

Textbook Question

More than one choice may apply.
Which of the following antibody capabilities causes a transfusion reaction with A or B erythrocyte antigens?
a. Neutralization
b. Precipitation
c. Complement fixation
d. Agglutination

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the context of the problem: A transfusion reaction occurs when antibodies in the recipient's blood recognize antigens on the donor's erythrocytes (red blood cells) as foreign, leading to an immune response.

Review the antibody capabilities listed in the question: Neutralization, Precipitation, Complement fixation, and Agglutination. Each of these mechanisms has a distinct role in immune defense.

Define Agglutination: Agglutination refers to the clumping of cells or particles caused by antibodies binding to antigens on the surface of erythrocytes. This is a key mechanism in transfusion reactions, as antibodies bind to A or B antigens and cause clumping of red blood cells.

Define Complement fixation: Complement fixation involves antibodies activating the complement system, which can lead to cell lysis (destruction of the cell membrane). This mechanism can also contribute to transfusion reactions by destroying incompatible erythrocytes.

Eliminate Neutralization and Precipitation: Neutralization involves antibodies blocking the activity of pathogens or toxins, which is unrelated to transfusion reactions. Precipitation involves antibodies binding to soluble antigens to form insoluble complexes, which is also not directly relevant to transfusion reactions.

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Key Concepts

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

Antibody Function

Antibodies are proteins produced by the immune system that recognize and bind to specific antigens, such as those found on the surface of erythrocytes (red blood cells). Their primary functions include neutralization of pathogens, agglutination of cells, and activation of the complement system, which can lead to cell lysis.

Agglutination

Agglutination is the process by which antibodies bind to multiple antigens on the surface of cells, causing them to clump together. This is a critical mechanism in transfusion reactions, as antibodies against A or B antigens can agglutinate erythrocytes that possess these antigens, leading to potentially severe immune responses.

Complement Fixation

Complement fixation refers to the process where antibodies bound to antigens activate the complement system, a series of proteins that enhance the immune response. This can lead to the lysis of cells, including erythrocytes in transfusion reactions, but is distinct from agglutination, which is primarily responsible for the clumping of cells.

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