Select all the false statements about fever.
a. It is generated by pyrogens.
b. It is an innate immune defense.
c. It is accompanied by a decrease in metabolism.
d. It can be reduced by anti-inflammatory drugs.
e. It can accompany inflammation.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the definition of fever and its role in the immune system.
2. Understand what pyrogens are and their relationship with fever.
3. Analyze the role of fever as an innate immune defense mechanism.
4. Examine the relationship between fever and metabolism, specifically whether fever increases or decreases metabolic rate.
5. Consider the effects of anti-inflammatory drugs on fever and their mechanism of action.

Key Concepts

Pyrogens

Pyrogens are substances that induce fever by triggering the hypothalamus to raise the body's temperature set point. They can be endogenous, produced by the body in response to infection or inflammation, or exogenous, originating from pathogens. Understanding pyrogens is crucial for comprehending how fever acts as a defense mechanism against infections.

Innate Immune Response

The innate immune response is the body's first line of defense against pathogens, characterized by immediate, non-specific responses. Fever is considered a part of this response, as it helps to inhibit pathogen growth and enhance the activity of immune cells. Recognizing the role of fever within the innate immune system is essential for evaluating its significance in health and disease.

Metabolism and Fever

Fever typically results in an increase in metabolic rate, not a decrease. This heightened metabolism supports the immune response by providing more energy and resources for immune cells to function effectively. Understanding the relationship between fever and metabolism is important for accurately interpreting statements about fever's effects on the body.