Six-Year-Old Hector, Who Has Experienced Periods of Malnutrition, Is Well

question 36

Essay

Six-year-old Hector, who has experienced periods of malnutrition, is well below the average height and weight for his age. What deficiency does Hector likely have, and can his growth be improved?

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Definitions:

Suppressor T Cell

Subset of T lymphocytes that decreases the activity of B cells and T cells.

Cytokines

Small proteins released by cells, especially immune cells, that have a specific effect on the interactions and communications between cells.

Secondary Response

Immune response that occurs when the immune system is exposed to an antigen against which it has already produced a primary response; also called memory response.

Memory Cell

Small lymphocyte that is derived from a B cell or T cell and that rapidly responds to a subsequent exposure to the same antigen.