Innate immune system

High school (ages 12+)
Human Body

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/innate-immune-system

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the primary function?Immediate, non-specific defense against pathogens and cellular damage
2. What is the evolutionary significance?Ancient defense mechanism conserved across diverse life forms, predating adaptive immunity
3. What are the body's first responders in the immune system?They are the innate immune system, a quick and non‑specific defense that fights germs before we even feel sick.
4. How does our skin help protect us from germs?The skin is a strong physical barrier that stops most bacteria and viruses from getting inside our bodies.

Pathogen-Associated Molecular Patterns (PAMPs): Conserved molecular structures found on microbes that are recognized by innate immune receptors.
Danger-Associated Molecular Patterns (DAMPs): Endogenous molecules released by stressed or damaged host cells that signal danger to the immune system.
Antigen-Presenting Cells (APCs): Immune cells, like dendritic cells and macrophages, that process and present antigens to lymphocytes.