Immune system
Immune system is a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to defend the body against harmful invaders such as bacteria, viruses, and disease-causing parasites. These invaders are called pathogens. The immune system's primary task is to recognize and eliminate these pathogens.
Overview[edit | edit source]
The immune system is composed of two main parts: the innate immune system and the adaptive immune system. The innate immune system is the body's first line of defense against pathogens. It includes physical barriers like the skin and mucous membranes, as well as cells and proteins that attack foreign substances in the body. The adaptive immune system, on the other hand, is responsible for the body's ability to recognize and remember specific pathogens in order to provide long-lasting immunity.
Components of the Immune System[edit | edit source]
The immune system is made up of various components, including white blood cells, antibodies, the complement system, the lymphatic system, the spleen, the thymus, and the bone marrow. Each of these components plays a crucial role in the body's defense against pathogens.
White Blood Cells[edit | edit source]
White blood cells, also known as leukocytes, are key players in the immune system. They are produced in the bone marrow and are part of the body's response to infection and disease. There are several types of white blood cells, including neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils.
Antibodies[edit | edit source]
Antibodies, also known as immunoglobulins, are proteins produced by the body in response to an infection. They are capable of recognizing and neutralizing specific pathogens.
Complement System[edit | edit source]
The complement system is a part of the immune system that enhances the ability of antibodies and phagocytic cells to clear pathogens from an organism.
Lymphatic System[edit | edit source]
The lymphatic system is a network of tissues and organs that help rid the body of toxins, waste and other unwanted materials. It is also responsible for transporting lymph, a fluid containing infection-fighting white blood cells, throughout the body.
Spleen[edit | edit source]
The spleen is an organ that filters the blood, removes old red blood cells, and holds a reserve of blood in case of hemorrhagic shock.
Thymus[edit | edit source]
The thymus is a specialized primary lymphoid organ of the immune system where T cells mature.
Bone Marrow[edit | edit source]
Bone marrow is the flexible tissue in the interior of bones that produces blood cells.
Function of the Immune System[edit | edit source]
The immune system's primary function is to defend the body against pathogens. It does this by recognizing foreign substances in the body and launching an immune response to eliminate them. This response can involve a variety of cells and mechanisms, depending on the nature of the pathogen and the body's previous exposure to it.
Disorders of the Immune System[edit | edit source]
Disorders of the immune system can lead to autoimmune diseases, inflammatory diseases, and cancer. Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own cells. Inflammatory diseases occur when the immune system overreacts to a perceived threat, causing excessive inflammation. Cancer can occur when the immune system fails to eliminate cells that have become abnormal and start to multiply uncontrollably.
See Also[edit | edit source]
- Innate immune system
- Adaptive immune system
- White blood cells
- Antibodies
- Complement system
- Lymphatic system
- Spleen
- Thymus
- Bone marrow
- Autoimmune diseases
- Inflammatory diseases
- Cancer
Immune system Resources | |
---|---|
|
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD