Question 1

Which of the following best describes the primary function of the lymphatic system in immunity?

Accepted Answer

It returns excess tissue fluid to the bloodstream and filters pathogens through lymph nodes.

Question 2

Which of the following is an example of a non-specific (innate) defense mechanism?

Accepted Answer

The acidic pH of the stomach killing ingested microbes

Question 3

A patient receives an injection of antibodies against rabies after being bitten by a potentially rabid animal. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Passive immunity acquired artificially

Question 4

Which of the following best explains why organ transplants may be rejected by the recipient's immune system?

Accepted Answer

The recipient's immune system recognizes foreign glycoproteins on the donor organ as antigens.

Question 5

Which of the following is NOT a function of antibodies?

Accepted Answer

Directly killing infected host cells by releasing perforin

Question 6

Which cell type is primarily responsible for the cell-mediated immune response?

Accepted Answer

Cytotoxic T cells

Question 7

A person who lacks functional helper T cells would have difficulty with which aspect of immunity?

Accepted Answer

Mounting both humoral and cell-mediated immune responses

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the process of clonal selection?

Accepted Answer

A lymphocyte that recognizes a specific antigen divides to produce identical cells.

Question 9

Which of the following is a correct sequence of events in the inflammatory response?

Accepted Answer

Histamines are released, capillaries dilate, phagocytes migrate to the site, pathogens are engulfed.

Question 10

Which of the following best explains why a person who recovers from chickenpox is usually immune to future infections by the same virus?

Accepted Answer

Memory cells produced during the primary response quickly mount a secondary response upon re-exposure.

Question 11

Which of the following is a characteristic of autoimmune diseases?

Accepted Answer

The immune system attacks the body’s own cells as if they were foreign.

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the role of perforin in the immune response?

Accepted Answer

It creates pores in the membranes of infected cells, leading to cell death.

Question 13

Which of the following is a real-life example of passive immunity acquired naturally?

Accepted Answer

A newborn receives antibodies from the mother through breast milk.

Question 14

Which of the following best explains the cause of allergies in terms of the immune system?

Accepted Answer

The immune system overreacts to harmless substances, releasing histamines.

Question 15

Which of the following is a function of the protein complement system in immunity?

Accepted Answer

Attracting phagocytes to the site of infection and promoting lysis of pathogens

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the difference between humoral and cell-mediated immunity?

Accepted Answer

Humoral immunity involves B cells and antibodies, while cell-mediated immunity involves cytotoxic T cells attacking infected cells.

Question 17

Which of the following is a likely consequence of an immunodeficiency disease?

Accepted Answer

The immune system is unable to mount an effective response to infections.

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the role of macrophages in the immune response?

Accepted Answer

They engulf and digest pathogens and present antigens to helper T cells.

Question 19

Which of the following best explains how vaccination protects against infectious diseases?

Accepted Answer

It introduces a harmless form of the antigen, stimulating the production of memory cells for a faster secondary response.

Question 20

Which of the following is a correct description of the antigen-antibody complex?

Accepted Answer

It is formed when an antibody binds to a specific antigen, marking it for elimination.

Immunology: The Lymphatic System and Immune Defenses

Study Guide - Practice Questions