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Quizzes > Health & Medicine > Human Anatomy & Medicine

Blood, Lymph and Immunity Systems Quiz

Ready for an immune system quiz on harmless substance reactions? Dive in!

Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art red blood cells white blood cells lymph nodes on teal background for blood lymph immunity quiz

Discover if your immune system reacts to a harmless substance! This free and fun immune system quiz checks your grasp of blood and immunity trivia - exactly how does the immune system work when pulses of harmless pollen sneak into your bloodstream. Plus, take on the lymphatic system quiz segment to unlock insider insights on white blood cells and lymph flow. Ready for more challenge? Don't wait - play our quiz on the immune system and finish strong with the lymphatic system and immunity quiz. Dive in now and prove your expertise! Start now and share your results!

What is an allergic reaction?
An immune response to a harmless substance
Physical trauma to the skin
A response to bacterial infection
Autoimmune attack on body tissues
An allergic reaction occurs when the immune system responds inappropriately to a harmless substance, like pollen or food proteins. This causes typical allergy symptoms such as itching, swelling, and sneezing. It does not represent normal pathogen defense. source
Which cells are primarily responsible for producing antibodies?
Dendritic cells
Plasma B cells
Helper T cells
Neutrophils
Plasma B cells are the differentiated form of B lymphocytes that secrete large volumes of antibodies. Helper T cells activate B cells but do not produce antibodies themselves. Neutrophils and dendritic cells have other immune functions. source
Which immunoglobulin class is most commonly associated with allergic reactions?
IgA
IgE
IgG
IgM
IgE binds to allergens and triggers mast cell degranulation, leading to histamine release and allergy symptoms. IgG and IgM primarily handle pathogen neutralization and complement activation. IgA protects mucosal surfaces. source
Which cells release histamine during an allergic response?
Mast cells
Macrophages
Cytotoxic T cells
B cells
Mast cells store histamine in granules and release it upon IgE-mediated activation during an allergic reaction. This release causes vasodilation and increased vascular permeability. Other immune cells do not release histamine in this way. source
Which of the following is a common allergen?
Salmonella bacteria
Pollen
UV radiation
Strep throat pathogen
Pollen is a common environmental allergen that triggers seasonal allergies. Salmonella and Streptococcus cause infections, not allergies. UV radiation is a physical stressor but not an allergen. source
What is the primary function of the lymphatic system in immunity?
Secrete digestive enzymes
Store bile
Transport immune cells and filter lymph
Produce red blood cells
The lymphatic system transports lymph, which contains immune cells, and filters pathogens through lymph nodes. It does not produce blood cells - that occurs in bone marrow. Bile storage and enzyme secretion are functions of the gallbladder and pancreas. source
What does the term 'hypersensitivity' refer to?
Failure of the immune system
Autoimmune destruction of cells
An exaggerated immune response to an antigen
An immune response to a virus
Hypersensitivity is an exaggerated or inappropriate immune response to an antigen, which can be harmless. It differs from normal antiviral responses, immune deficiency, or autoimmunity. source
What is an antigen?
A blood-clotting factor
A molecule that elicits an immune response
A type of white blood cell
A digestive enzyme
Antigens are substances, often proteins, that the immune system recognizes as foreign, triggering antibody production or cell-mediated responses. They are not cells or enzymes. source
Which of these is an example of a harmless substance that can cause an allergic reaction?
Ionizing radiation
Peanut protein
Carbon monoxide
Influenza virus
Peanut proteins are common food allergens that can provoke severe allergic responses despite being harmless to most people. Influenza virus is pathogenic. Toxins and radiation cause damage but not allergy. source
What does IgE bind to on mast cells and basophils?
Toll-like receptors
MHC class II molecules
Fc epsilon receptors
Fab sites
IgE binds to the high-affinity Fc epsilon receptor (Fc?RI) on mast cells and basophils, sensitizing them to allergens. Fab is the antigen-binding region of antibodies, not a cell receptor. source
Which organ is the primary site for T cell maturation?
Spleen
Lymph node
Thymus
Bone marrow
T cells mature and undergo selection in the thymus before entering peripheral circulation. B cells mature in bone marrow. The spleen and lymph nodes filter blood and lymph, respectively. source
What blood component is primarily involved in pathogen defense?
Plasma proteins
Platelets
Red blood cells
White blood cells
White blood cells (leukocytes) carry out immune responses and defense against infections. Red blood cells transport oxygen, and platelets mediate clotting. Plasma proteins include antibodies but the cells themselves are key. source
Which defense mechanism is considered the first line?
Antibody production
Complement activation
T cell activation
Skin and mucous membranes
Skin and mucous membranes physically block pathogens and are part of the innate first line of defense. Antibodies, T cells, and complement belong to subsequent adaptive or secondary innate responses. source
Which symptom is not typically associated with an allergic reaction?
Sneezing
Itching
Hives
High fever
High fever is usually a sign of infection, not an allergic response. Allergies commonly cause sneezing, itching, and hives through histamine release. source
What is the underlying mechanism of Type I hypersensitivity?
Immune complex deposition
Complement destruction of cells
T cell - mediated cytotoxicity
IgE-mediated mast cell degranulation
Type I hypersensitivity is immediate and mediated by allergen-specific IgE on mast cells and basophils that degranulate upon re-exposure. Immune complexes characterize Type III, cytotoxicity is Type II, and complement-driven cell lysis is also Type II. source
Which mediator is primarily responsible for bronchoconstriction in allergic asthma?
Bradykinin
Leukotrienes
Tumor necrosis factor
Interleukin-2
Leukotrienes C4, D4, and E4 released by mast cells cause potent bronchoconstriction in allergic asthma. IL-2 and TNF are cytokines, and bradykinin is involved in pain and vasodilation. source
Type II hypersensitivity is characterized by:
Delayed T cell response
IgE binding to mast cells
Antibody binding to cell surface antigens
Immune complex deposition in vessels
Type II hypersensitivity involves IgG or IgM antibodies binding to antigens on cell surfaces, leading to complement activation or cell destruction. Type I is IgE, Type III is immune complexes, and Type IV is T cell - mediated. source
What type of hypersensitivity is a delayed-type reaction?
Type III
Type I
Type IV
Type II
Type IV hypersensitivity is T cell - mediated and occurs hours to days after antigen exposure. Types I - III are antibody-mediated and occur more rapidly. source
Which diagnostic test is commonly used to identify specific IgE-mediated allergies?
ELISA for IgG
Complete blood count
Skin prick test
PCR for pathogen DNA
The skin prick test introduces small amounts of allergen into the skin to detect IgE-mediated reactions. ELISA for IgG does not assess IgE allergies. CBC and PCR have other uses. source
What is anaphylaxis?
A localized T cell response
An IgG-mediated reaction
A chronic autoimmune disorder
A severe, systemic Type I hypersensitivity reaction
Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening systemic allergic reaction mediated by IgE-driven mast cell degranulation. It differs from chronic autoimmunity or localized T cell responses. source
Which event triggers mast cell degranulation in an allergic reaction?
Phagocytosis of bacteria
Cross-linking of Fc?RI-bound IgE by allergen
Toll-like receptor activation
Binding of complement to mast cells
When an allergen binds and cross-links IgE on Fc?RI receptors, it causes mast cells to degranulate and release mediators. Complement and TLRs act on other pathways. source
What role do Th2 cells play in allergic responses?
Complement activation
Direct phagocytosis of allergens
Secretion of cytokines that promote IgE class switching
Activation of cytotoxic pathways
Th2 cells secrete IL-4 and IL-13, which drive B cells to switch to IgE production in allergic responses. They do not mediate cytotoxicity or phagocytosis. source
Which cytokine is key for promoting IgE isotype switching?
Interferon-gamma (IFN-?)
Interleukin-4 (IL-4)
Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-?)
Interleukin-2 (IL-2)
IL-4 is essential for B cells to switch from producing IgM to IgE during allergic sensitization. IFN-? and IL-2 support Th1 responses, and TNF-? is pro-inflammatory generally. source
Which cell type presents allergens to T cells in sensitization?
Basophils
Neutrophils
Dendritic cells
Eosinophils
Dendritic cells are professional antigen-presenting cells that process allergens and activate naïve T cells, initiating sensitization. Basophils and eosinophils have other roles in allergic effector phases. source
Atopic dermatitis is best described as:
An autoimmune blistering disease
A chronic allergic skin inflammation
A bacterial skin infection
A Type II hypersensitivity in vessels
Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition often associated with elevated IgE and Type I hypersensitivity. It is not antibody-mediated vascular injury, autoimmunity, or infection. source
How does the complement system contribute to hypersensitivity reactions?
Inhibition of mast cell activation
Direct production of IgE
Generation of anaphylatoxins that enhance inflammation
Blocking antigen presentation
Complement fragments C3a and C5a act as anaphylatoxins, increasing vascular permeability and attracting leukocytes to amplify allergic inflammation. They do not produce IgE or block mast cells. source
What is the goal of allergen desensitization therapy?
Suppress bone marrow
Eliminate mast cells
Induce immune tolerance to specific allergens
Increase IgE production
Desensitization (immunotherapy) gradually exposes patients to increasing allergen doses to shift immune response toward tolerance and reduce IgE-mediated reactions. It does not remove mast cells or boost IgE. source
Which immunoglobulin can block antigen binding and reduce allergic responses?
IgA
IgG4
IgM
IgD
IgG4 competes with IgE for allergen binding and can dampen allergic responses during successful immunotherapy. IgA, IgM, and IgD have different roles in immunity. source
What does the hygiene hypothesis propose regarding allergies?
Reduced early microbial exposure increases allergy risk
High hygiene prevents all immune diseases
Allergies are solely genetic
Vaccines cause allergic sensitization
The hygiene hypothesis suggests that limited exposure to pathogens and microbes in childhood skews immune development toward Th2 responses and higher allergy rates. Genetics play a role but are not exclusive, and vaccines are not causal. source
What is cross-reactivity in the context of allergies?
When an antibody recognizes similar epitopes on different allergens
When mast cells become unresponsive
When complement components bind IgE
When T cells undergo apoptosis
Cross-reactivity occurs when an antibody or T cell receptor binds to structurally similar epitopes on different allergens, such as pollen and food proteins. It is not related to apoptosis or complement binding IgE. source
Which receptor on mast cells has highest affinity for IgE?
Fc?RI
Fc?RI
Fc?RIII
TLR4
Fc?RI is the high-affinity receptor for IgE on mast cells and basophils, essential for Type I hypersensitivity. Fc?RIII and Fc?RI bind IgG and IgA respectively; TLR4 recognizes LPS. source
What characterizes the early-phase reaction in Type I hypersensitivity?
Cell-mediated tissue damage
Mast cell degranulation within minutes
Immune complex deposition
Antibody production after days
The early-phase Type I reaction involves rapid mast cell degranulation and mediator release (histamine) within minutes of allergen exposure. Antibody production and immune complexes occur in other hypersensitivity types. source
What characterizes the late-phase reaction in allergy?
Immediate histamine release
Direct T cell cytotoxicity
Complement-mediated lysis
Inflammatory cell infiltration hours later
The late-phase reaction occurs 4 - 8 hours after initial exposure and is marked by eosinophil and neutrophil infiltration, prolonging inflammation. Histamine release is early phase; complement and T cells play roles in other conditions. source
What is serum sickness?
A T cell - mediated contact dermatitis
An IgE-mediated food allergy
A Type II drug allergy
A Type III hypersensitivity to injected proteins
Serum sickness is a systemic Type III hypersensitivity where immune complexes form after exposure to foreign proteins, causing fever, rash, and arthritis. It is distinct from Type I or IV reactions. source
How do basophils differ from mast cells?
Mast cells lack granules
Basophils do not have Fc?RI
Basophils circulate; mast cells reside in tissues
Mast cells do not release histamine
Basophils are blood-borne granulocytes, while mast cells are tissue-resident. Both express Fc?RI and release histamine from granules. source
What role do eosinophils play in hypersensitivity?
Mediate complement activation
Present antigen to T cells
Produce IgE
Release cytotoxic proteins in late-phase reactions
Eosinophils release major basic protein and other toxic mediators during late-phase allergic reactions, causing tissue damage. They do not produce antibodies or activate complement. source
Which of these is an example of Type II hypersensitivity?
Hemolytic transfusion reaction
Allergic rhinitis
Serum sickness
Contact dermatitis
Hemolytic transfusion reactions arise from IgG binding to donor RBC antigens, characteristic of Type II. Allergic rhinitis is Type I, contact dermatitis is Type IV, and serum sickness is Type III. source
What is immune complex deposition?
T cell priming in lymph nodes
Type III hypersensitivity mechanism
IgE sequestration in lymph nodes
Removal of pathogens by macrophages
Type III hypersensitivity involves soluble antigen-antibody complexes depositing in tissues, triggering complement and inflammation. It is not related to macrophage phagocytosis or T cell priming. source
What defines a primary immunodeficiency?
Acquired HIV infection
Drug-induced immunosuppression
Age-related immunosenescence
Genetic defect in immune function
Primary immunodeficiencies are inherited genetic disorders impairing immunity. HIV, age, and drugs cause secondary immunodeficiencies. source
How does autoimmunity differ from allergy?
Allergy requires T cells only
Autoimmunity targets self-antigens; allergy targets external antigens
Autoimmunity involves IgE only
Allergy is always life-threatening
Autoimmunity arises when the immune system attacks the body's own antigens, while allergies are misdirected responses to external harmless substances. Both can vary in severity and involve multiple immune components. source
Why are infants initially less prone to allergies?
They produce only IgE
They have maternal IgG protection and immature Th2 responses
They have an overactive complement system
They lack T cells entirely
Infants receive maternal IgG antibodies through the placenta and breast milk, providing passive immunity, and their Th2-skewed immune system is not fully sensitized. They do have T cells but are not fully reactive. source
How does the Th1/Th2 balance affect allergy development?
A Th2-dominant response promotes IgE production and allergies
Th1 cells directly produce histamine
Th1/Th2 balance is irrelevant to allergy
Th1 dominance causes high IgE
Th2 cells produce cytokines like IL-4 that drive IgE class switching and allergic sensitization. A Th1-skewed response counters Th2 and tends to protect against allergies. source
What is the role of regulatory T cells in immune tolerance?
Suppress aberrant immune responses to prevent allergies and autoimmunity
Activate complement
Secrete histamine
Drive IgE production
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) release inhibitory cytokines like IL-10 and TGF-? to dampen immune responses against harmless antigens, maintaining self-tolerance and preventing allergy. They do not produce histamine or drive IgE. source
Which factor contributes to the severity of peanut allergy?
Absence of Th2 cells
High-affinity IgE binding to multiple allergenic epitopes
Excessive complement activation
Lack of IL-4 production
Peanut allergens have multiple epitopes that bind strongly to IgE, leading to robust mast cell activation. IL-4 and Th2 are required for IgE responses; complement plays a minor role. source
What is epicutaneous sensitization in allergy development?
Destruction of skin mast cells
Sensitization through the gastrointestinal tract
Allergen exposure through the skin leading to Th2 responses
Tolerance induction by skin dendritic cells
Epicutaneous sensitization occurs when allergens penetrate the skin barrier, interact with Langerhans cells, and promote Th2-mediated allergic sensitization. Oral exposure often leads to tolerance instead. source
Which epithelial-derived cytokines initiate allergic inflammation at barrier sites?
TSLP, IL-25, and IL-33
IL-1?, IL-6, and IL-12
IL-10, TGF-?, and IL-35
IFN-?, IL-2, and TNF-?
Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), IL-25, and IL-33 released by epithelial cells drive dendritic cell activation and Th2 polarization at barrier sites, initiating allergy. IFN-? and IL-2 are Th1 cytokines, and IL-10/TGF-? are regulatory. source
What is epitope spreading in allergic sensitization?
Immune response expands to new epitopes over time
Antigens mutate to escape immune detection
IgE binds only one epitope
Mast cells lose receptor diversity
Epitope spreading refers to the broadening of immune recognition to additional epitopes of an allergen or related proteins, intensifying allergic responses. It is not due to antigen mutation or mast cell changes. source
How does oral tolerance develop against dietary antigens?
Mast cell activation in the stomach
IgE production in Peyer's patches
High levels of gastric acid neutralize allergens
Induction of regulatory T cells in the gut-associated lymphoid tissue
Oral tolerance is mediated by antigen presentation in the gut-associated lymphoid tissue that induces Tregs, suppressing allergic responses to food antigens. IgE production and mast cell activation would promote allergy, not tolerance. source
What role does gut microbiota play in allergic sensitization?
Modulates immune development and promotes tolerance
Eliminate dendritic cell function
Increase Fc?RI expression on mast cells
Directly produce IgE
Diverse gut microbiota support development of regulatory immune networks and oral tolerance, reducing allergy risk. They do not produce antibodies or directly alter mast cell receptors. source
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Study Outcomes

  1. Understand System Functions -

    Identify the primary roles of blood, lymphatic, and immune systems in protecting the body from pathogens.

  2. Explain Allergic Responses -

    Describe how the immune system reacts to a harmless substance and triggers allergy symptoms like histamine release.

  3. Differentiate Immunity Types -

    Distinguish between innate and adaptive immune mechanisms and their unique defense strategies.

  4. Identify Immune Components -

    List key elements such as antibodies, T cells, and lymph nodes and explain their roles in the immune response.

  5. Analyze Misidentification Scenarios -

    Evaluate quiz scenarios to recognize when the immune system mistakenly targets non-threatening substances.

  6. Apply Immunity Trivia Insights -

    Use knowledge from blood and immunity trivia to understand real-world health implications and immune system function.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Immune Tolerance vs Hypersensitivity -

    Immune tolerance mechanisms prevent autoimmunity and explain why the immune system does not react to a harmless substance like pollen based on central and peripheral checkpoints. When these checkpoints fail, type I hypersensitivity triggers allergies; recall the acronym ACID (Anaphylaxis, Cytotoxic, Immune complex, Delayed) to remember the four Gell - Coombs categories. This builds on insights from Janeway's Immunobiology (9th ed.).

  2. Key Players: B and T Lymphocytes -

    B cells originate in the bone marrow and produce antigen-specific antibodies, while T cells mature in the thymus and orchestrate cellular responses through helper (CD4+) and cytotoxic (CD8+) subsets. Pro tip for your immune system quiz: remember "B for Builders, T for Tacticians" to distinguish antibody production from cell-mediated defense. (Source: Abbas et al., Cellular and Molecular Immunology, 10th ed.)

  3. Lymphatic System Structure and Function -

    The lymphatic system returns interstitial fluid to the bloodstream and provides immune surveillance in lymph nodes, spleen, and mucosa-associated lymphoid tissues. In a lymphatic system quiz, recall GALT (gut-associated), BALT (bronchus-associated), and MALT (mucosa-associated) using the rhyme "Gut, Bronchus, Mucosa hold the guard." Information adapted from the NIH's National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

  4. Innate vs Adaptive Immunity -

    Innate immunity offers an immediate, non-specific defense via barriers, phagocytes, and complement, while adaptive immunity mounts a specific, delayed response using lymphocytes. A handy timeline to memorize is "Minutes for Macrophages, Days for B and T Cells," summarizing innate in minutes and adaptive in days. (Based on Alberts et al., Molecular Biology of the Cell, 6th ed.)

  5. Immunological Memory and Vaccination -

    Study how the immune system reacts to a harmless substance during desensitization therapy: repeated low-dose exposure induces regulatory T cells and long-lived memory B cells to promote tolerance. The primary response typically peaks after about 7 - 10 days, while a secondary response is faster and more robust - remember the formula: Secondary Response ≈ 10× Faster & Higher titer. Insights are adapted from the World Health Organization's vaccination guidelines.

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