Immune function

Immune Function

The immune function is a complex biological system that protects the body from harmful substances, cells, and tissues. The immune system includes various parts of the body including the thymus, spleen, lymph nodes, special deposits of lymphoid tissue (for example, tonsils), and various cells including lymphocytes, including B cells and T cells, and phagocytes.

Overview

The immune system is the body's primary defense mechanism against infections and diseases. It is composed of a network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect the body. The immune system recognizes and responds to pathogens (like bacteria or viruses) and tumor cells. It differentiates our tissue from foreign tissue, detects a wide variety of agents, from viruses to parasitic worms, and needs to distinguish them from the organism's own healthy cells and tissues, in order to function properly.

Components of the Immune System

The immune system is made up of two main parts: the innate immune system and the adaptive immune system.

Innate Immune System

The innate immune system is the first line of defense. It includes physical barriers like the skin, chemical barriers like antimicrobial proteins, and cells that attack foreign substances and cells in the body.

Adaptive Immune System

The adaptive immune system is more complex and responds to specific pathogens recognized by the body. It includes B cells and T cells, which have the ability to remember past diseases and can provide immunity against them.

Immune Response

The immune response is how your body recognizes and defends itself against bacteria, viruses, and substances that appear foreign and harmful. It involves the activation of immune cells, the production of antibodies, and the triggering of other protective mechanisms.

Disorders of the Immune System

Disorders of the immune system can result in autoimmune diseases, inflammatory diseases, and cancer. Autoimmune diseases arise from an abnormal immune response of the body against substances and tissues normally present in the body. Inflammatory diseases occur when the immune system overreacts to something harmless. Cancer can result when the immune system does not recognize and destroy abnormal cells.

See Also

• Innate immune system
• Adaptive immune system
• B cells
• T cells
• Autoimmune diseases
• Cancer

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