Read the Cells and Organs Behind Immunity
Place the immune response on a simple map: barriers and cells act first; B and T lymphocytes provide specific responses; lymphoid organs support their development and activation.
Living-system questions are solved by matching a structure or organism to its function, process and stated condition.
Separate the main response types
Innate immunity is broad and rapid. Acquired immunity is antigen-specific and develops memory. B cells and their plasma-cell descendants make antibodies; T cells mediate cell-mediated immunity and coordinate or kill infected cells. Cytotoxic killer lymphocytes release perforin to help disrupt target membranes.
Locate immune-cell development
Bone marrow and thymus are primary lymphoid organs where lymphocytes develop and mature. Spleen, lymph nodes and MALT are secondary sites where immune responses can be organised. Autoimmunity occurs when immune responses target the body's own components.
Read immune-deficiency comparisons
AIDS is an acquired immune deficiency, whereas SCID is a group of severe congenital immune deficiencies. Their shared feature is impaired immune defence.
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- ✓B cells: antibody-mediated humoral response.
- ✓T cells: CMI; cytotoxic cells can release perforin.
- ✓Bone marrow and thymus are primary lymphoid organs.
- ✓AIDS and SCID are both immunodeficiency disorders.
T cells do not secrete antibodies; plasma cells do. Keep primary development organs distinct from secondary response sites.
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