American Board of Surgery Qualifying Exam (ABS QE) Practice Test

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Prepare for the ABS QE with flashcards and multiple-choice questions. Each question provides hints and explanations to enhance understanding. Start your journey to becoming a certified surgeon and tackle your exam with confidence!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

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Which immunoglobulin is associated with anaphylaxis?

The correct answer is: IgE

The immunoglobulin associated with anaphylaxis is IgE. This class of antibodies plays a crucial role in the body's immune response to allergens. When an individual who is sensitized to a specific allergen is re-exposed to it, IgE antibodies bind to the allergen and trigger the activation of mast cells and basophils. This activation leads to the release of histamines and other inflammatory mediators that result in the severe and rapid allergic reactions characteristic of anaphylaxis. IgE is particularly important in allergic conditions and has a central role in the pathophysiology of immediate hypersensitivity reactions. In contrast, other immunoglobulin classes, such as IgG, IgA, and IgM, have different functions in the immune system. IgG is primarily involved in neutralizing pathogens and providing long-term immunity, IgA is important for mucosal immunity, and IgM is usually the first antibody produced in response to an infection. None of these classes is directly involved in the anaphylactic response.