Fundamentals of Immunology: Mechanisms and Clinical Applications Quiz

Immunology

USMLE

ABIM

Reviewed by Editorial Team

The ProProfs editorial team is comprised of experienced subject matter experts. They've collectively created over 10,000 quizzes and lessons, serving over 100 million users. Our team includes in-house content moderators and subject matter experts, as well as a global network of rigorously trained contributors. All adhere to our comprehensive editorial guidelines, ensuring the delivery of high-quality content.

Learn about Our Editorial Process

| By Thames

Thames

Community Contributor

Quizzes Created: 7387 | Total Attempts: 9,536,020

| Questions: 13 | Updated: Aug 4, 2025

Quiz Flashcard

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Whatsapp Share on Pinterest Share on Email Copy to Clipboard Embed on your website

Question 1 / 13

0 %

0/100

Score 0/100

1. What is the difference between Primary and Secondary Immune Response?

The secondary response has a longer lag time compared to the primary response.

The primary immune response is weaker and less sustained compared to the secondary immune response.

The primary response has a lag of approximately 1-2 days before antibody levels start to rise.

The primary response has a lag of approximately 5–7 days before antibody levels start to rise. This lag is the... The primary response has a lag of approximately 5–7 days before antibody levels start to rise. This lag is the time required for activation of naive B cells by antigen and TH cells and for the subsequent proliferation and differentiation of the activated B cells into plasma cells. Antibody levels peak in the primary response at about day 14 and then begin to drop off as the plasma cells begin to die. In the secondary response, the lag is much shorter (only 1–2 days), antibody levels are much higher, and they are sustained for much longer. Because of these memory B cells, the secondary immune response is swifter and stronger----this powerful secondary immune response is what gives “immunity” to some diseases after you have had them once or after you have been vaccinated.

The correct answer explains that the primary response has a longer lag time before antibody levels start to rise compared to the secondary response. It also highlights the differences in antibody levels and sustainability between the primary and secondary immune responses.

Explanation

Submit

About This Quiz

Fundamentals Of Immunology: Mechanisms And Clinical Applications Quiz - Quiz

This assessment focuses on foundational immunological concepts and applications, evaluating key skills in immune system mechanisms and clinical implications. It's designed for learners aiming to deepen their understanding and prepare for advanced medical examinations.

2. What first name or nickname would you like us to use?

You may optionally provide this to label your report, leaderboard, or certificate.

2. What is clonal selection?

The process of selecting the best clone of an organism for breeding purposes.

The process of selecting a specific clone of a computer program.

A method used to select different types of fruits from a fruit tree.

In the process of clonal selection, an antigen binds to a particular T or B cell and sitmulates it to... In the process of clonal selection, an antigen binds to a particular T or B cell and sitmulates it to divide repeatedly into a clone of cells with the same antigenic specificty as the original parent cell

Clonal selection is a key concept in immunology where an immune response is initiated by the binding of an antigen to a specific T or B cell triggering cell division and the production of a clone of cells with the same antigenic specificity.

Explanation

Submit

3. Generally, what is the difference between adaptive versus innate immunity?

Does not provide a long-lasting immune response

Activated immediately upon encountering a pathogen

Only targets specific pathogens

Does not come into play until there is an _____ challenge to the organism. ----_____ eliminates specific foreign microorganisms and... Does not come into play until there is an _____ challenge to the organism. ----_____ eliminates specific foreign microorganisms and molecules. ----Responses are not the same in all members of a species but are reactions to _____ antigenic challenges. ---- List the 3 Characteristics of Adaptive Immunity ----Takes approx 3-7 days to get adaptive I.R initiated and active Innate: ----Provides the first line of defense against infection. Most components of innate immunity are present ____ the onset of infection and constitute a set of disease-resistance mechanisms that are not _____ to a particular pathogen; ----In general, most of the microorganisms encountered by a healthy individual are readily cleared within a few days by defense mechanisms of the innate immune system before they activate the adaptive immune system. Defenses: skin, ____, phagocytic cells and ____ recognition receptors.Answers: antigenic Selectively specific Memory, Specificity and Diversity before specific mucous pattern

Adaptive immunity does provide a long-lasting immune response through memory cells, targets specific antigens, and takes time to be activated upon encountering a specific antigenic challenge. The incorrect answers do not accurately portray the characteristics of adaptive immunity.

Explanation

Submit

4. How did inoculation with cowpox generate immunological memory that provided protection against smallpox?

Inoculation with cowpox created a physical barrier in the body that prevented smallpox from entering.

The cowpox virus caused the body to produce a chemical that made it inhospitable for smallpox to survive.

Cowpox and small pox share epitopes (structurally the same or very similar); Primary I.R arose after inoculation with cowpox and... Cowpox and small pox share epitopes (structurally the same or very similar); Primary I.R arose after inoculation with cowpox and exposure to small pox led to secondary I.R due to shared epitopes, Secondary I.R afforded protection against disease onset

The antibodies generated from cowpox directly attacked the smallpox virus, eliminating it from the body.

The correct answer describes how shared epitopes between cowpox and smallpox trigger an immune response that provides protection against smallpox.

Explanation

The correct answer describes how shared epitopes between cowpox and smallpox trigger an immune response that provides protection against smallpox.

Submit

5. What is hematopoiesis? Where does it take place?

The production of antibodies from a Hematopoietic stem cell; it occurs in the lymph nodes.

The formation and development of ____ and _____ from a Hematopoietic stem cell; it begins in the embryonic ____ sac... The formation and development of ____ and _____ from a Hematopoietic stem cell; it begins in the embryonic ____ sac during the first weeks of development then migrates to the fetal liver and finally to the spleen.RBCs; WBCs; yolk

The breakdown of red blood cells from a Hematopoietic stem cell; it occurs in the lungs.

The formation and development of platelets from a Hematopoietic stem cell; it takes place in the bone marrow.

Hematopoiesis is the process of forming and developing red blood cells (RBCs) and white blood cells (WBCs) from a Hematopoietic stem cell. It starts in the embryonic yolk sac then moves to the fetal liver and spleen. Platelets are not directly formed through hematopoiesis. Hematopoiesis does not involve the breakdown of red blood cells or the production of antibodies.

Explanation

Submit

6. What cell types are derived from myeloid versus lymphoid progenitor cells? Name the function of each.

Neutrophils, B cells, Monocytes

Macrophages, T cells, Platelets

Common lymphoid progenitor cells give rise to 1.) ____ 2.)____ 3.) and some ____ cells. Myeloid stem cells generate progenitors... Common lymphoid progenitor cells give rise to 1.) ____ 2.)____ 3.) and some ____ cells. Myeloid stem cells generate progenitors of red blood cells (______), many of the various white blood cells (neutrophils, _____, basophils, monocytes, ____ cells, dendritic cells), and platelets.Answers: B, T and Natural Killer; dendritic erythrocytes; eosinophils; mast

Plasma cells, Basophils, Eosinophils

The correct answer highlights the specific cell types derived from myeloid and lymphoid progenitor cells, emphasizing their functions in the immune system.

Explanation

The correct answer highlights the specific cell types derived from myeloid and lymphoid progenitor cells, emphasizing their functions in the immune system.

Submit

7. Which WBC is highly phagocytic and is the first to arrive at the site of infection? Which WBC contains histamine? Which WBC contains anti-parasitic toxins?

--B-Cell Function: differentiate into ____ (effector) cells---antibody factories---and ____ cells in the immune response.--T cells are responsible for ____ mediated... --B-Cell Function: differentiate into ____ (effector) cells---antibody factories---and ____ cells in the immune response.--T cells are responsible for ____ mediated immunity; with the help of their Tcrs they engage _____ antigens ex: pathogens inside a cell such as viruses. ---Natural Killer Cells are functionally related to Tcells but they are ____ acting cells (no memory associated with these cells); rely on conserved receptors to recognize conserved molecular patterns. NK cells have preformed granules with packed perforins (FUNCTION---to form ____) and granzymes (FUNCTION: to induce ____ within virus-infected cells) ready to go.NeutrophilsBasophilsEosinohils

Eosinophils

Monocytes

Basophils

Neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cells and are known for their phagocytic abilities, making them the first responders to infection. Basophils contain histamine, which plays a role in the inflammatory response. Eosinophils contain anti-parasitic toxins, which are involved in fighting off parasitic infections. Monocytes, while important in the immune response, are not specifically known for these functions.

Explanation

Submit

8. When a foreign antigen gains entrance into the tissues, what is it picked up by? What does the lymphatic system drain? Where does the lymphatic system carry the antigen? What happens to the foreign antigen once it enters the secondary lymphoid organ (node)? What role does the lymphatic circulatory system play in immune defense?

The lymphatic systemTissuesLymph nodesBecomes trappedTransports lymphocytes and antigens from connective tussues to organized lymphoid tissueswhere they lymphocytes may interact with... The lymphatic systemTissuesLymph nodesBecomes trappedTransports lymphocytes and antigens from connective tussues to organized lymphoid tissueswhere they lymphocytes may interact with the trapped antigen and undergo activation.

The circulatory system

The digestive system

The skeletal system

The lymphatic system is responsible for picking up foreign antigens, draining tissues, carrying antigens to lymph nodes, and transporting lymphocytes and antigens for immune defense.

Explanation

The lymphatic system is responsible for picking up foreign antigens, draining tissues, carrying antigens to lymph nodes, and transporting lymphocytes and antigens for immune defense.

Submit

9. What type of proteins does complement consist of? What 3 things do these proteins activate? What are the 3 pathways to activate the complement cascade?

A group of serum proteins; Inflammation, cell lysis (destruction of cells) and opsonizationClassical pathway, Alternative pathway and lectin pathway;Alternative pathway;... A group of serum proteins; Inflammation, cell lysis (destruction of cells) and opsonizationClassical pathway, Alternative pathway and lectin pathway;Alternative pathway; Ag-Ab complex;MBL

Individual enzymes; Antibodies, antibiotics, and cytokines; Antigen pathway, Bacterial pathway, Viral pathway

Hormones; Cell differentiation, apoptosis, and cell communication; Genetic pathway, Proteomic pathway, Lipidomic pathway

Carbohydrates; Glycolysis, TCA cycle, protein synthesis; Allosteric pathway, Metabolic pathway, Pathway of least resistance

The complement system consists of a group of serum proteins that activate inflammation, cell lysis (destruction of cells), and opsonization. There are three pathways to activate the complement cascade: Classical pathway, Alternative pathway, and lectin pathway. The correct answer provides the specific details for each pathway and their activation triggers.

Explanation

Submit

10. What is MAC (Membrane Attack Attack Complex)? Hint: relation to complement. Which by-products of the C' cascade interact to form MAC?

C3b & C5a

C4a & C6

A culmination of the C' cascade; C5b & C6-C9C3a, C5a, & C5b67inflammatory response

C2a & C7

The MAC is formed by the interaction of C5b with C6-C9, leading to the assembly of the Membrane Attack Complex.

Explanation

The MAC is formed by the interaction of C5b with C6-C9, leading to the assembly of the Membrane Attack Complex.

Submit

11. What type of patterns do Pattern Recognition Receptors recognize? What are these patterns called?

Conserved molecular PatternsPathogen Associated Molecular PatternsTLRssecretedintracellular

Unique molecular Patterns

Cellular patterns

Environmental patterns

Pattern Recognition Receptors recognize conserved molecular patterns known as Pathogen Associated Molecular Patterns.

Explanation

Pattern Recognition Receptors recognize conserved molecular patterns known as Pathogen Associated Molecular Patterns.

Submit

12. List the 3 cytokines. What I.R do cytokines promote? Which cytokine activates lymphocytes and promotes fever? IL-6 and TNF-alpha promote fever by affecting what? What type of immunity do IL-6 and TNF-alpha promote? The 3 cytokines promote the expression of the secreted PRRs, name them. They also increase which type of permeability? What does the fever response do to pathogen viability, WBC mobilization and AG processing?

IL-6, IL-8 & TNF-gamma; Immunomodulatory response; IL-8; liver function; Acquired immunity; C1q, C1r and C1s; epithelial; increases, decreases and increases.

IL-1, IL-6 & TNF-alpha; Inflammatory response;IL-1; thermoregulatory center in the hypothalamus; Innate immunity; MBL, SAP & CRP; vascular; decreases, increases... IL-1, IL-6 & TNF-alpha; Inflammatory response;IL-1; thermoregulatory center in the hypothalamus; Innate immunity; MBL, SAP & CRP; vascular; decreases, increases and increases

IL-2, IL-4 & TNF-beta; Adaptive response; IL-2; neutrophils; Adaptive immunity; TLR, NLR and RLR; lymphatic; increases, decreases and decreases.

IL-10, IL-12 & TNF-delta; Immune tolerance; IL-10; immune cell communication; Tolerance immunity; Dectin-1, TLR4 and TLR9; intercellular; no effect, decreases... IL-10, IL-12 & TNF-delta; Immune tolerance; IL-10; immune cell communication; Tolerance immunity; Dectin-1, TLR4 and TLR9; intercellular; no effect, decreases and no effect.

The correct answers provide the cytokines IL-1, IL-6 and TNF-alpha which promote the Inflammatory response. IL-1 activates lymphocytes and promotes fever through its effect on the thermoregulatory center in the hypothalamus. IL-6 and TNF-alpha promote fever by affecting the vascular system. These cytokines promote Innate immunity and increase the expression of the secreted PRRs MBL, SAP and CRP. They also increase vascular permeability. The fever response decreases pathogen viability, increases WBC mobilization and increases AG processing.

Explanation

Submit

13. Chemokines are small MW cytokines; List the 3 chemokines. What does MIP stand for? What does it promote the expression of? What does IL-8 activate? Integrins are needed to promote what? This follows the engagement of integrin with what?

Lymphocyte Recruitin Protein, GRO-alpha and GCP-1;Microglial Inflammatory Protein; IL-3, IL-7 and GM-CSF; macrophages; apoptosis; complement system

IL-8, MIP-alpha and MIP--beta;Macrophage Inflammatory Protein;IL-1, IL-6 and TNF-alpha;integrinextravasationICAMs

Fractalkine, MCP-1 and RANTES; Mast Inhibitory Peptide; IL-2, IL-12 and IFN-beta; neutrophils; phagocytosis; Toll-like receptors

IL-6, MIP-gamma and MIP-delta; Monocyte Inflammatory Protein; IL-4, IL-10 and IFN-gamma; leukocytes; chemotaxis; selectins

Submit