Immune System

The mucus in your nose and the acid in your stomach are both front-line defenses against pathogens. Which of the following is also a front-line defense?

• your antibodies

• your skin

• your t-cells

• your white blood cells

If you were looking for your body's leukocytes, where would you find them?

• in your glands

• in your bloodstream

• in your stomach

• in your muscles

What might happen if your immune system doesn't recognize a germ that's invaded your body? Choose the best answer.

• The germ will have time to multiply and make you sick.

• Your white blood cells will begin killing healthy cells instead.

• Your antibodies will begin attacking each other.

• Your body will stop producing white blood cells.

What is the main function of antibodies?

• "Remembering" the characteristics of germs that have invaded your body in the past

• Creating new white blood cells

• Binding themselves to invading antigens

• Signaling your immune system that antigens have invaded your body

What might you find inside a vaccine?

• Weakened pathogens

• Brand-new antibodies

• Strong leukocytes

• Harmful viruses

What is one important effect of your body's ability to "remember" the characteristics of certain pathogens?

• It prevents dangerous bacteria from killing you.

• It prevents you from transmitting diseases to other people.

• It prevents certain pathogens from making you sick more than once.

• It prevents your immune system from attacking healthy tissue.

What is one major difference between viruses and bacteria?

• Viruses can make you sick; bacteria can't

• Bacteria can be treated with antibiotics; viruses can't

• Viruses can be trapped by mucus or neutralized by stomach acids; bacteria can't

• Bacteria can cause infections; viruses can't

How does the HIV virus attack?

• It kills all the antibodies in your body

• It prevents your body from making new antibodies

• It prevents your body from "remembering" the characteristics of diseases you've already had

• It attacks white blood cells so your body can't fight infection

What's the best way to keep your immune system healthy?

• Eat only organic foods

• Maintain a healthy diet and get plenty of rest

• Keep physical contact with other people to a bare minimum

• Wear a surgical mask over your nose and mouth

Why isn't there a vaccine for the common cold?

• Because it's not really a virus.

• Because it's caused by an extremely tiny virus.

• Because many different viruses cause cold symptoms.

• Because cold vaccines trigger autoimmune responses.