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 13a

Textbook Question

Give a function for each of the following:
(a) Cytotoxic T cells
(b) Helper T cells
(c) Regulatory T cells
(d) Plasma cells
(e) NK cells

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Understand the role of cytotoxic T cells (a). Cytotoxic T cells are a type of immune cell responsible for directly killing infected cells, cancer cells, or cells that are otherwise damaged. They achieve this by releasing perforins and granzymes, which induce apoptosis in the target cells.

Step 2: Learn the function of helper T cells (b). Helper T cells play a central role in the immune response by activating other immune cells. They release cytokines to stimulate B cells to produce antibodies and enhance the activity of cytotoxic T cells and macrophages.

Step 3: Explore the role of regulatory T cells (c). Regulatory T cells are crucial for maintaining immune system balance. They suppress excessive immune responses and prevent autoimmune reactions by inhibiting the activity of other immune cells.

Step 4: Understand the function of plasma cells (d). Plasma cells are differentiated B cells that produce and secrete large quantities of antibodies specific to antigens. These antibodies help neutralize pathogens and mark them for destruction by other immune cells.

Step 5: Examine the role of NK cells (e). Natural Killer (NK) cells are part of the innate immune system and are responsible for identifying and destroying cells that lack 'self' markers, such as virus-infected cells or tumor cells. They do this without prior sensitization, using mechanisms like perforin and granzyme release.

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Key Concepts

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

Cytotoxic T Cells

Cytotoxic T cells, also known as CD8+ T cells, are a type of immune cell that directly kill infected or cancerous cells. They recognize antigens presented by Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) class I molecules on the surface of these target cells. Upon activation, they release perforin and granzymes, leading to the destruction of the target cell.

Helper T Cells

Helper T cells, or CD4+ T cells, play a crucial role in orchestrating the immune response. They do not directly kill pathogens but instead activate and regulate other immune cells, including B cells and cytotoxic T cells, by releasing cytokines. This coordination is essential for a robust and effective immune response against infections.

Regulatory T Cells

Regulatory T cells, often referred to as Tregs, are essential for maintaining immune tolerance and preventing autoimmune responses. They suppress the activation and proliferation of other immune cells, ensuring that the immune system does not attack the body's own tissues. This balance is critical for preventing excessive inflammation and maintaining homeostasis.

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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.

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__________ are substances that can trigger the adaptive defenses and provoke an immune response.

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

Cancer cells are destroyed by NK cells, T_Ccells, and macrophages.

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Textbook Question

Define immunocompetence and self-tolerance. How is self-tolerance achieved?

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

Dendritic cells may activate both T_Hand T_Ccells.

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Multiple Choice

Many phagocytic immune cells such as macrophages and dendritic cells commonly engulf foreign or dangerous materials in the body. If these cells engulf antigens, the cells will present the antigens on their surface. Which immune cells will respond to these “presented” antigens and trigger an immune response if necessary?

Which of the following types of cells is involved in adaptive immunity?

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