What You Need To Know....
SC.912.L.14.52 Explain the basic functions of the human immune system, including specific and nonspecific immune response, vaccines, and antibiotics.
Students will identify and/or explain the basic functions of the human immune system, including specific and nonspecific immune responses. Students will describe the basic function of vaccines and/or antibiotics.
Students will explain the significance of genetic factors, environmental factors, and pathogenic agents to health from the perspective of both individual and public health.
Example Questions
The immune system has both specific and nonspecific defenses against viral infections. Which statement describes a nonspecific response of the immune system in fighting viral infections?
A. T cells are produced to search out and destroy the viruses.
B. Memory B cells are activated to rapidly respond to the viral infection.
C. Plasma cells quickly replicate and release antibodies that bind to the viruses.
D. Virus-infected cells produce interferons that lead to the inhibition of viral replication.
2. Which of the following would be the best way to detect whether someone was infected with a
virus, like HIV?
A. Check for an inflammatory response in the body.
B. Check for the presence of antibodies in the blood.
C. Check for the presence of histamines in the body.
D. Check for the presence of white blood cells in the blood.
3. Which of the following explains why people need to get a flu shot each year?
A. Antibodies for the flu virus only last for one year.
B. The flu virus eventually breaks down the vaccine.
C. The flu virus is constantly mutating and changing.
D. There are not enough antibodies in the vaccine to kill the entire virus.
4. Many times people visit the doctor requesting antibiotics to treat colds and viral infections. How
is the doctor justified in offering the patient treatment options that do not include antibiotics
for these cases?
A. Antibiotics can weaken the immune system when used for colds and viruses, whereas other
medications are not so hard on the immune system during these types of illnesses.
B. Colds and viruses should be first treated with viral therapies and then when the body begins
to recover, antibiotics can be used. Otherwise, the use of antibiotics is not effective at all.
C. If a doctor provides an antibiotic to treat colds and viruses, any bacteria in the patient's body
will be killed, but a few will survive. Those few survivors may become resistant to antibiotics
needed for real bacterial illnesses.
D. Side effects from antibiotics are severe when used for colds and viruses. Any use of
antibiotics for colds and viruses will only make the patient more ill and ultimately make the
patient's recovery time longer.
5. After an initial infection, B-cells recognize the measles virus. How is this helpful in human immune response?
A. The B-cells use this recognition to defend the body against other pathogens, such as bacteria.
B. The B-cells more quickly recognize and respond to any other virus that invades the body.
C. The B-cells produce antibodies more quickly if the measles virus is encountered again.
D. The B-cells transfer this recognition to T-cells, which will then devour the viruses.
Answer Key:
D. Virus-infected cells produce interferons that lead to the inhibition of viral replication.
B. Check for the presence of antibodies in the blood.
C. The flu virus is constantly mutating and changing.
C. If a doctor provides an antibiotic to treat colds and viruses, any bacteria in the patient's body will be killed, but a few will survive. Those few survivors may become resistant to antibiotics needed for real bacterial illnesses.
C. The B-cells produce antibodies more quickly if the measles virus is encountered again. After an initial infection with a virus, B cells are able to recognize the virus and produce antibodies against it the second time. The person’s reaction to the virus will be lessened.