The Immune System - Answers

Arlo Guthrie — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 15:31:14 GMT

Current Revision posted to Revision Guide For Student Nurses - Part 1 by Arlo Guthrie on 4/2/2009 3:31:14 PM

ANSWERS

State the function of the immune system.
Protection of the body against invasion by foreign matter.
Name the 2 groups of microorganisms most commonly dealt with by the immune system.
- Bacteria.
- Viruses.
Which of the systems of the body is the immune system a part of?
The cardiovascular system.
What is an antibody?
A substance that reacts with a particular foreign body or antigen to render it harmless.
What is an antigen?
A foreign material that is recognised as such by the immune system.
Name the antibody producing cells.
B Lymphocytes.
What is the difference between the humoral immune response and the cellular immune response?
The humoral immune response relies upon antibody producing cells (the B Lymphocytes), whilst the cellular immune response relies upon the T lymphocytes to recognise abnormal cells.
What is meant by phagocytosis?
The engulfing and destruction of microorganisms and foreign bodies by specialised cells.
What is the name of the system of phagocytic cells that move around the body consuming bacteria and other foreign matter?
The reticuloendothelial system.
What is the name of the phagocytic cells of the blood?
Monocytes.
In what part of the body would you find macrophages?
Connective tissue.
Where else within the body might phagocytic cells be located other than in the blood or connective tissue?
- Lymph nodes.
- Bone marrow.
- Spleen.
- Liver