Lesson 4.3.1.6

4.3.1.6 Human defence systems Quiz: AQA Biology, Unit 3

20 questions

Written by Revision Ninja · Last reviewed 11 October 2026

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Lesson 4.3.1.6, Human defence systems: 20 multiple choice questions for the AQA GCSE Biology (8461), Unit 3: Infection and response, written with Revision Ninja.

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The 20 questions

  1. Which of these is a non-specific defence system named in the specification?

    • Skin
    • Antigen
    • Hormone
    • Antibody

  2. Which organ is NOT part of the human non-specific defence system?

    • Skin
    • Nose
    • Pancreas
    • Stomach

  3. What is the primary role of the immune system when pathogens enter the body?

    • Cool body temperature
    • Excrete toxic waste
    • Produce digestive enzymes
    • Destroy the pathogen

  4. Which white blood cell defence involves engulfing and digesting pathogens?

    • Vasodilation
    • Phagocytosis
    • Antitoxin production
    • Antibody production

  5. Which white blood cell function produces antibodies?

    • Phagocytosis
    • Antitoxin production
    • Sweating
    • Antibody production

  6. Which white blood cell function neutralises toxins released by pathogens?

    • Sweat production
    • Antitoxin production
    • Antibody production
    • Phagocytosis

  7. How many white blood cell defence functions does the specification list?

    • Five
    • Three
    • Four
    • Two

  8. Which structures act as non-specific defences in the human respiratory system?

    • Stomach and intestines
    • Kidneys and bladder
    • Trachea and bronchi
    • Liver and pancreas

  9. What do white blood cells make to help defend against pathogens?

    • Urea
    • Insulin
    • Antibodies
    • Glucagon

  10. What term describes physical and chemical barriers that defend against any pathogen?

    • Specific defences
    • Active immunities
    • Non-specific defences
    • Targeted antibodies

  11. How does the nose help defend the body against airborne pathogens?

    • Engulfs bacterial cells
    • Releases antitoxins
    • Traps pathogens
    • Produces stomach acid

  12. Stomach acid kills many pathogens swallowed with food. Which non-specific defence is involved?

    • The skin
    • The stomach
    • The trachea
    • The nose

  13. How does intact skin defend the body against invading pathogens?

    • Engulfs invading bacteria
    • Forms physical barrier
    • Secretes neutralising antitoxins
    • Produces stomach acid

  14. Which non-specific defence listed in the specification is found in the upper airway?

    • The ovary
    • The stomach
    • The nose
    • The skin

  15. Which internal defence system destroys pathogens that enter the blood stream?

    • Digestive system
    • Excretory system
    • Immune system
    • Nervous system

  16. Which type of substance produced by white blood cells targets specific pathogens?

    • Enzymes
    • Antitoxins
    • Antibiotics
    • Antibodies

  17. What is the main function of antitoxins produced by white blood cells?

    • Neutralise toxins
    • Destroy viral DNA
    • Engulf pathogens
    • Block skin entry

  18. Why must the immune system produce antitoxins as well as engulfing pathogens?

    • Pathogens divide rapidly
    • Pathogens produce toxins
    • Pathogens absorb nutrients
    • Pathogens resist antibodies

  19. Which two respiratory structures act together as a non-specific defence system?

    • Trachea and bronchi
    • Nose and mouth
    • Larynx and pharynx
    • Lungs and alveoli

  20. What action does the immune system take if a pathogen enters the body?

    • Feeds the pathogen
    • Destroys the pathogen
    • Ignores the pathogen
    • Multiplies the pathogen

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