Immunoglobulins - NCLEX-PN

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Question

Which of the following is the primary immunoglobulin secreted into the intestinal lining and mucus membranes of the respiratory tract?

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Answer

IgA, primarily in its secretory form (sIgA), is the most abundant immunoglobulin in the lining of the gastrointestinal tract and in the mucus membranes of the respiratory tract. It is also present in the urogenital tract, in tears, in saliva, and in breast milk. All of the other immunoglobulins may be present in mucus membranes, depending on the presence of active infection or allergy, but none is as abundant in secretions as IgA. IgE is primarily involved in binding allergens and inducing the allergic response via release of histamine. IgM is expressed on the surface of B cells and is the first immunoglobulin to fight pathogens at the site of infection/injury. IgG are the most abundant antibody throughout the body and play the largest role in fighting pathogens. IgG can cross the placenta and thus confer passive immunity to the fetus.

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