BIOS 255 Week 8 Final Exam (Essay & Explanatory)
Student Name Chamberlain University BIOS-255: Anatomy & Physiology III with Lab Prof. Name Date Innate and Adaptive Immune Systems Question: Describe innate and adaptive immune systems, how they work, and how they interact. The immune system is composed of two fundamental branches: the innate immune system and the adaptive immune system. The innate immune system serves as the body’s initial line of defense, providing a rapid but non-specific response to pathogens. This system includes physical barriers like skin and mucous membranes, chemical defenses such as antimicrobial proteins and enzymes, and cellular components like neutrophils, macrophages, and natural killer cells. These elements function to recognize and eliminate pathogens through pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) that detect pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). In contrast, the adaptive immune system provides a targeted and highly specific defense. It involves lymphocytes—T cells and B cells—that recognize specific antigens. Upon first exposure to a pathogen, the adaptive response is slower but generates immunological memory, which ensures a faster and more efficient response during future exposures. The interaction between the two systems is critical; for instance, dendritic cells, part of the innate system, present antigens to T cells to initiate the adaptive response. Thus, the innate system not only provides initial protection but also activates and shapes the adaptive response. Antibody Subclasses Question: Explain the various subclasses of antibodies – how they are similar, how they differ. Antibodies, or immunoglobulins (Ig), are glycoproteins produced by B cells that play a vital role in immune defense. All antibodies share a similar Y-shaped structure composed of two heavy and two light chains, but they are classified into five main subclasses based on their heavy chain: IgG, IgA, IgM, IgE, and IgD. Antibody Class Location/Function Unique Features IgG Circulating in blood and tissues Most abundant, provides long-term immunity IgA Mucosal surfaces (saliva, tears, intestines) Protects mucosal areas, forms dimers IgM Blood and lymph First antibody produced in response to infection IgE Skin, lungs, mucous membranes Triggers allergic responses, protects against parasites IgD B cell surface Role not fully understood, involved in B cell activation Respiratory Definitions Question: Define ventilation, external respiration, and internal respiration. Be sure to identify their functions and where they occur. Ventilation refers to the mechanical process of moving air into and out of the lungs, primarily through the contraction and relaxation of the diaphragm and intercostal muscles. External respiration involves the exchange of gases between the alveoli in the lungs and the surrounding capillaries; oxygen diffuses into the blood while carbon dioxide diffuses out. Internal respiration, in contrast, occurs in peripheral tissues where oxygen is delivered from the blood to the cells and carbon dioxide is collected for removal. Neural Control of Ventilation Question: Explain the neural control of ventilation, including brain centers, sensory and motor signals. Ventilation is regulated by neural centers located in the brainstem, particularly the medulla oblongata and pons. The medullary rhythmicity area controls the basic rhythm of breathing, while the pontine centers fine-tune the rate and pattern. Chemoreceptors in the carotid and aortic bodies detect changes in blood levels of CO2, O2, and pH. These sensory signals are relayed to the brainstem, which then sends motor commands via the phrenic and intercostal nerves to the diaphragm and intercostal muscles, enabling breathing movements. Gas Transport in Blood Question: Describe how oxygen and carbon dioxide are transported in the blood, emphasizing factors affecting loading/unloading in the lungs vs. tissues. Oxygen is predominantly transported by hemoglobin within red blood cells. In the lungs, where oxygen partial pressure is high, hemoglobin binds oxygen. In tissues with lower oxygen levels and higher carbon dioxide levels, oxygen is released. Carbon dioxide is transported mainly as bicarbonate ions, but also bound to hemoglobin and dissolved in plasma. The Bohr effect, temperature, and pH all influence the efficiency of oxygen and carbon dioxide transport. T Cell Subclasses Question: List and briefly describe the major functions of the various subclasses of T cells. BIOS 255 Week 8 Final Exam (Essay & Explanatory) T cells are differentiated into several functional types: T Cell Type Function Helper T (CD4+) Activate B cells, cytotoxic T cells, and macrophages Cytotoxic T (CD8+) Destroy virus-infected and tumor cells Regulatory T Suppress excessive immune responses to maintain tolerance Adaptive Immune Response Question: Explain the similarities and differences between primary and secondary responses of the adaptive immune response. The primary immune response occurs upon the first exposure to an antigen. It is slower and less robust, requiring time for antigen recognition and lymphocyte activation. In contrast, the secondary response is faster and more intense, thanks to memory B and T cells generated during the initial exposure. These memory cells facilitate a rapid and specific response to previously encountered pathogens. Function of the Spleen Question: Functions of the Spleen The spleen filters blood, removes aged or damaged red blood cells, and initiates immune responses against blood-borne antigens. It also acts as a reservoir for white blood cells and platelets. Muscles in Respiration Question: All muscles used in exhaling and inhaling Inhalation involves the diaphragm and external intercostals, which expand the thoracic cavity. Exhalation is typically passive but becomes active during forceful breathing, engaging the internal intercostals and abdominal muscles. Characteristics of the Thymus Question: Know the characteristics of the thymus The thymus is a bilobed gland located in the mediastinum. It is essential for the maturation and differentiation of T lymphocytes and is most active during childhood, shrinking with age. Components of the Lymphatic System Question: Know the components of the lymphatic system The lymphatic system comprises lymph, lymphatic vessels, lymph nodes, the spleen, thymus, and tonsils. These structures support immune surveillance, fluid balance, and fat absorption. Respiratory Conduction System Question: Know the conduction system for air Air travels through the nasal cavity → pharynx → larynx → trachea → bronchi → bronchioles → alveoli. The conducting zone ends at the terminal bronchioles, and the respiratory zone begins at the respiratory bronchioles, leading to alveolar ducts and alveoli where gas exchange takes place. Site of Gas Exchange in Lungs