N2.ii · Innate & Adaptive Immunity

Official V5 objective

Outline innate and acquired immunity including how these systems interact in the immune response.

5 SAQ topics 7 SAQ appearances 5 VIVA stations

Written examination

SAQ history

7 appearances

Immunity — B/T Lymphocytes

1 exam appearance

2012A Q07

Compare and contrast the characteristics of B and T lymphocytes.

40%

Immunity — Complement

2 exam appearances

2025B Q17

Describe the complement system using the following headings: (a) components (30% of marks) (b) activation pathways (10% of marks) (c) role and functions (50% of marks) (d) control and regulation (10% of marks)

54%

2023B Q15

Describe the components and function of the complement system including the role, activation and control?

Immunity — Host Defence

1 exam appearance

2010B Q09

Describe how the body defends against infection.

53%

Immunity — Immunisation

1 exam appearance

2011A Q20

Describe how previous immunisation protects against subsequent infection.

Immunity — Innate Immunity

2 exam appearances

2025A Q17

(a) Define innate immunity including how it differs from adaptive immunity (10% of marks). (b) Outline the components of the innate immune system including their role in the immune response (90% of marks).

59%

2024A Q17

17%

Oral examination

VIVA history

5 stations

2025B · VIVA 8
This viva will examine immunology and haematology. How does the body defend itself against pathogens?

85.7% successful
2022A · Day 1 · VIVA 4
This viva will explore your understanding of the immune system. What are the key features and possible benefits of innate immunity?

Pass rate not reported
2017B · Day 1 · VIVA 8
This viva will test your knowledge of immunology and associated pharmacology. What is innate immunity?

65% successful
2011B · VIVA 2
This Viva will examine elements of the acute inflammatory response and serotonin physiology and pharmacology. Q 1. Describe the mechanism of the acute inflammatory response to tissue injury. Subsequent questions explored knowledge of what cytokines are, and what major roles they play in the body, the complement system, apoptosis, immune basis of rejection of allogeneic organs, and serotonin.

66.7% successful
2009A · VIVA 2
This viva will test your knowledge of the physiology and pharmacology of the Immune System. Outline the body’s defence mechanisms against infection.

Pass rate not reported

Sources: objective text from the relevant CICM syllabus; historical SAQ and VIVA wording from CICM examiner reports.