30. An allergy is caused when a person's immune system overreacts to a normally harmless substance, such as plant pollen, dust, or pet dander. Substances that trigger an allergic reaction are called allergens. An allergic reaction is triggered when the immune system recognizes an allergen as foreign and tries to destroy it by releasing histamines, much like it would if it encountered a harmful virus or bacteria. Histamines cause localized swelling, and result in allergy symptoms such as itchy eyes, a runny nose, and sneezing. Which statement best explains how an allergen causes an allergic reaction? a. The initial exposure to the allergen causes a negative feedback mechanism in the immune system to become overactive and leads to the release of histamines that destroy immune cells. b. Prolonged exposure to the allergen interferes with a negative feedback loop in the immune system, which results in the immune system releasing histamines more aggressively with increased allergen exposure. c. Repeated exposure to the allergen interferes with a positive feedback loop in the immune system, which results in the immune system reacting less aggressively with increased allergen exposure. d. The initial exposure of the allergen causes a positive feedback mechanism in the immune system to become overactive and leads to the release of histamines in an attempt to destroy

Human Physiology: From Cells to Systems (MindTap Course List)
9th Edition
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Author:Lauralee Sherwood
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Chapter12: Body Defenses
Section: Chapter Questions
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29 - 30. An allergy is caused when a person's immune system overreacts to a normally harmless
substance, such as plant pollen, dust, or pet dander. Substances that trigger an allergic reaction are
called allergens. An allergic reaction is triggered when the immune system recognizes an allergen as
foreign and tries to destroy it by releasing histamines, much like it would if it encountered a harmful virus
or bacteria. Histamines cause localized swelling, and result in allergy symptoms such as itchy eyes, a
runny nose, and sneezing. Which statement best explains how an allergen causes an allergic reaction?
a. The initial exposure to the allergen causes a negative feedback mechanism in the immune
system to become overactive and leads to the release of histamines that destroy immune
cells.
b. Prolonged exposure to the allergen interferes with a negative feedback loop in the immune
system, which results in the immune system releasing histamines more aggressively with
increased allergen exposure.
c. Repeated exposure to the allergen interferes with a positive feedback loop in the immune
system, which results in the immune system reacting less aggressively with increased allergen
exposure.
d. The initial exposure of the allergen causes a positive feedback mechanism in the immune
system to become overactive and leads to the release of histamines in an attempt to destroy
Transcribed Image Text:29 - 30. An allergy is caused when a person's immune system overreacts to a normally harmless substance, such as plant pollen, dust, or pet dander. Substances that trigger an allergic reaction are called allergens. An allergic reaction is triggered when the immune system recognizes an allergen as foreign and tries to destroy it by releasing histamines, much like it would if it encountered a harmful virus or bacteria. Histamines cause localized swelling, and result in allergy symptoms such as itchy eyes, a runny nose, and sneezing. Which statement best explains how an allergen causes an allergic reaction? a. The initial exposure to the allergen causes a negative feedback mechanism in the immune system to become overactive and leads to the release of histamines that destroy immune cells. b. Prolonged exposure to the allergen interferes with a negative feedback loop in the immune system, which results in the immune system releasing histamines more aggressively with increased allergen exposure. c. Repeated exposure to the allergen interferes with a positive feedback loop in the immune system, which results in the immune system reacting less aggressively with increased allergen exposure. d. The initial exposure of the allergen causes a positive feedback mechanism in the immune system to become overactive and leads to the release of histamines in an attempt to destroy
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