Texas Medical Assistant Certification Practice Test

Which cells are found in the lining of the nasal passages and eyelids and participate in the immune response?

1. Antigen

2. Antibodies

3. Mast

4. Mediators

The correct answer is: Mast

Mast cells play a crucial role in the immune response and are primarily located in tissues, particularly in the lining of the nasal passages and eyelids. These cells are a type of white blood cell that are part of the immune system. They contain granules rich in histamine and other chemicals, which are released during an immune response, especially during allergic reactions. This release can lead to inflammation and other symptoms associated with allergies. In the context of the nasal passages and eyelids, mast cells help to defend against pathogens and contribute to the body's allergic responses. Their presence in these tissues allows for a rapid reaction to allergens and other irritants, making them vital in managing the body's response to foreign substances. The other options, while related to immune function, do not specifically describe the cells that line these areas and are directly involved in the immune response. Antigens are substances that can provoke an immune response, antibodies are proteins produced by B cells that neutralize antigens, and mediators refer more broadly to substances that act in signaling within the immune response but do not represent specific cell types. Thus, mast cells are the correct choice for cells specifically found in the nasal passages and eyelids that participate directly in the immune response.