Topic: The immune system is a daunting system to cover. However, it is critical for a healthcare professional to
understand how the immune system works. This week you will provide a written response that analyzes the
mechanism of action for the three lines of defense in the immune system.
You will write a 2000-2250 word essay, not including the Title and References pages (typed, 12-point font,
double spaced).
This will be a two-part essay. The first part will discuss the lines of defense within the body including the physical
barriers, the innate immune system, phagocytosis, immunological surveillance, interferons, inflammation,
humoral immunity, and cell-mediated immunity.
The second part of the essay will require you to review scholarly research on the COVID-19 virus. The
Coronavirus link in the Additional Materials for this Module will help you get started in the research process.
Please base your responses on scholarly research and answer the following questions:
How does COVID-19 spread from person to person? What internal and external lines of defense will stop or
slow the spread? How does the body work to fight infection through the three lines of defense?
Required Topics to Address:
1. Physical barriers, the first line of defense
2. The second line of defense, the innate immune system
3. Phagocytosis
4. Immunological Surveillance
5. Interferons
6. Inflammation
7. The third line of defense, humoral immunity
8. The third line of defense, cell-mediated immunity
9. Review scholarly research on the COVID-19 pandemic. Describe how this virus spreads and what internal and
external lines of defense will stop the spread.
Assignment Expectations:
Length: 2000-2250 words
Structure: Include a title page and reference page in APA style. These do not count towards the minimal word
amount for this assignment.
References: Use the appropriate APA style in-text citations and references for all resources utilized to answer
the questions. Include at least three (3) scholarly sources to support your claims.