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Example Questions
Example Question #1 : Immune Physiology
Which of the following cells plays a key role in both humoral and cell-mediated immunity?
Basophil
Memory B-cell
Plasma cell
Helper T-cell
Cytotoxic T-cell
Helper T-cell
While humoral immunity and cell-mediated immunity play different roles in the immune system, both systems require helper T-cells. B-lymphocytes must interact with helper T-cells in order to differentiate into plasma and memory B-cells, initiating the humoral immune response. Helper T-cells are also necessary for activating cytotoxic and suppressor T-cells in cell-mediated immunity.
Basophils are not involved in adaptive immunity of any type; they are responsible for inflammation and certain other processes in innate immunity.
Example Question #2 : Immune Physiology
What is the role of plasma cells?
They present antigens from the blood to helper T-cells for identification
They remain latent in the body, and wait for reinfection in order to release antibodies
They release free antibodies into the blood
They engulf pathogens in the blood
They cause inflammation by secreting plasma-like fluid
They release free antibodies into the blood
Plasma cells arise from B-lymphocytes. When a B-lymphocyte's antibody comes in contact with a matching antigen presented by a macrophage, the B-lymphocyte will differentiate into a plasma cell. The plasma cell will then release free antibodies into the blood which can then attach to the pathogens.
Memory B-cells remain latent in the body and differentiate into plasma cells upon reinfection by the same antigen. Neutrophils, macrophages, and monocytes have phagocytic properties that allow them to engulf and digest pathogens. Mast cells and basophils secrete histamine to stimulate the inflammatory response. Dendritic cells and some other cell types can present antigens to helper T-cells to initiate an adaptive immune response.
Example Question #3 : Immune Physiology
Which cells are considered lymphocytes?
T cells, B cells, monocytes
T cells, B cells, natural killer cells
Neutrophils, macrophages, dendritic cells
B cells, macrophages, dendritic cells
Eosinophils, basophils, neutrophils
T cells, B cells, natural killer cells
Lymphocytes are cells of the adaptive immune system that are mainly found in the lymph. They include the T cells, B cells, and natural killer cells. Macrophages and dendritic cells are types of phagocytes. Basophils and eosinophils are granulocytes. Neutrophils are considered both a granulocyte and phagocyte.
Example Question #4 : Immune Physiology
Which type of cell secretes antibodies?
Neutrophils
None of the other answers
B cells
Natural killer cells
T cells
B cells
Antibodies are glycoproteins that are secreted by B cells. B cells must be activated by exposure to a specific antigen before they are able to produce antibodies against the antigen it was exposed to. This is part of the adaptive immune system.
Example Question #5 : Immune Physiology
The malfunction of which type of cell is believed to be the cause of many autoimmune diseases?
Basophils
Antibodies
Cytotoxic T cells
Regulatory T cells
B cells
Regulatory T cells
Autoimmune diseases result when the body attacks its own cells. Regulatory T cells work to suppress the body's lymphocytes that may react to self antigens. When regulatory T cells are not working properly, lymphocytes that may react with self antigens are able to cause damage and lead to autoimmune disease.
Example Question #6 : Immune Physiology
Where do B cells mature?
Lymph nodes
Bone marrow
Spleen
Thymus
Bone marrow
Tissues of the immune system are classified as central (primary) or peripheral (secondary). Primary tissues include bone marrow and the thymus. Within the bone marrow, B and T cells are generated and B cells mature. In the thymus T cell maturation occurs.
Example Question #4 : Immune Physiology
Where are T cells generated?
Thymus
Lymph nodes
Liver
Bone marrow
Spleen
Bone marrow
Tissues of the immune system are classified as central (primary) or peripheral (secondary). Primary tissues include bone marrow and the thymus. Within the bone marrow B and T cells are generated; B cells also mature here, Whereas T cell maturation occurs in the thymus.
Example Question #4 : Immune Physiology
Which cells of the immune system can directly kill a virus-infected cell?
CD8+
B lymphocyte
CD4+
Antibody
Dendritic cell
CD8+
The adaptive immune system consists of the humoral and cell mediated branches. Humoral immunity protects against extracellular pathogens, while the cell-mediated pathway protects against intracellular pathogens. Cells of the cell mediated branch include T helper cells (CD4+: these cells help B cells and other cells activate so they can do their job) and cytotoxic T cells (CD8+: which directly kill infected host cells). Antibodies are not cells.
Example Question #9 : Help With Cells Of Adaptive Immunity
Where do B cells mature?
Thymus
Spleen
Bone marrow
Lymph nodes
Bone marrow
Tissues of the immune system are classified as central (primary) or peripheral (secondary). Primary tissues include bone marrow and the thymus. Within the bone marrow, B and T cells are generated and B cells also mature. T cell maturation occurs in the thymus.
Example Question #5 : Immune Physiology
A 45 year old man has three weeks of diarrhea after returning from his trip abroad. A stool specimen demonstrates a large number of parasitic eggs. In response to this infection, which cell line would you expect to be increased as compared to a non-infected individual?
Plasma cells
B-lymphocytes
Neutrophils
Red blood cells
Eosinophils
Eosinophils
Normally, eosinophils are not produced in high quantities in the body except in the face of parasitic infection. They typically constitute only 2% of the total white blood cell count. Eosinophils are classically elevated in response to infection from a parasite. The other cell lines in the answer choices would not be elevated due to a parasitic infection.