Anatomy Practice Exam

What are antibodies?

1. Viruses that attack body cells

2. Cells that produce hormones

3. Antigen-binding immunoglobulins produced by B cells

4. Substances that deactivate toxins

The correct answer is: Antigen-binding immunoglobulins produced by B cells

Antibodies are highly specialized proteins known as immunoglobulins, which are produced by B cells in response to specific antigens, such as pathogens like bacteria and viruses. Their primary function is to identify and bind to these antigens, facilitating their neutralization or destruction by the immune system. This binding action is crucial for the immune response, as it marks the pathogens for elimination by other immune cells. The structure of antibodies allows them to specifically recognize unique features on antigens, effectively tagging them for destruction. Each type of antibody has a unique variable region that allows it to bind precisely to its corresponding antigen, making them integral to the body’s adaptive immune response. This specificity also underpins the basis for vaccination, where exposure to an antigen prepares the immune system to respond effectively upon future encounters with the actual pathogen. Understanding the role of antibodies is fundamental in immunology, as they play a significant part in both natural immunity and the effectiveness of vaccines.