Multiple Choice
Which of the following is the first step in an inflammatory response?
1524
views
21. The Immune System
First-Line Defenses: Chemical Barriers
Problem 9
Textbook Question
Complement activation
(a) Stimulates inflammation
(b) Attracts phagocytes
(c) Enhances phagocytosis
(d) Achieves a, b, and c
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Understand the concept of complement activation. Complement activation is a part of the immune system that enhances the ability of antibodies and phagocytic cells to clear pathogens and damaged cells, promote inflammation, and attack the pathogen's cell membrane.
Step 2: Review the functions of complement activation. It plays a role in stimulating inflammation, attracting phagocytes to the site of infection, and enhancing phagocytosis by marking pathogens for destruction (opsonization).
Step 3: Analyze each option provided in the problem: (a) stimulating inflammation, (b) attracting phagocytes, and (c) enhancing phagocytosis. Determine if complement activation is responsible for each of these functions.
Step 4: Consider whether complement activation achieves all three functions simultaneously. Complement activation involves a cascade of reactions that result in multiple immune responses, including inflammation, phagocyte recruitment, and enhanced phagocytosis.
Step 5: Conclude that complement activation is a multifaceted process that achieves a combination of immune responses, as described in the options provided.
Verified video answer for a similar problem:This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above
Was this helpful?
Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Complement Activation
Complement activation refers to a series of biochemical reactions that enhance the immune response. It involves the activation of proteins in the blood that work together to opsonize pathogens, promote inflammation, and recruit immune cells. This process is crucial for the body’s defense against infections and plays a significant role in both innate and adaptive immunity.
Recommended video:
4:25
Complement System
Inflammation
Inflammation is a biological response to harmful stimuli, such as pathogens or tissue injury. It involves the release of signaling molecules that increase blood flow and attract immune cells to the site of infection or damage. This process helps to contain and eliminate pathogens, facilitating healing and recovery.
Recommended video:
1:38Inflammation
Phagocytosis
Phagocytosis is the process by which certain immune cells, known as phagocytes, engulf and digest pathogens or debris. This mechanism is essential for clearing infections and dead cells from the body. Complement activation enhances phagocytosis by marking pathogens for destruction and increasing the efficiency of phagocyte recruitment and activity.
Recommended video:
2:19Phagocytosis
1:9mWatch next
Master Chemical Barriers with a bite sized video explanation from Bruce Bryan
Start learningRelated Videos
Related Practice