All About the Immune System
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IMMUNE SYSTEM The purpose of the immune system is to keep infectious microorganisms out of the body. These infectious microorganisms are viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Thie immune system consists of a vast network of cells and tissues that recognize and destroy strange organisms that invade our bodies. And the organs involved with this function are called the lymphoid organs.
CELLS The cells mentioned above are white blood cells (leukocytes) of two basic types, which combine to find and destroy the substances or organisms that cause disease.
Leukocytes The two basic types of are: Phagocytes: cells that destroy invading organisms Lymphocytes: cells that allow the body to remember and recognize previous invaders and help it destroy them
IMMUNE SYSTEM FUNCTIONING When the immune system detects antigens (foreign substances that invade the body), various cells work together to recognize them and eliminate the threat. In this way, these cells induce B lymphocytes to produce specialized proteins that trap specific antigens (antibodies) The role of the antibodies to defend the body. Therefore, if a person becomes ill with a virus, they will not normally contract the disease again.
MACROPHAGES The first line of defense in the immune system is a group of cells called macrophages. They flow in the bloodstream and the body tissues of the body that guard antigens. When an invader enters, a macrophage quickly detects and captures it within the cell. And some enzymes inside the macrophage destroy the antigen by processing it into small pieces called antigenic peptides. Sometimes, this process is enough to eliminate the harmful invader. However, in most cases, other cells of the immune system can perform this function.
Antibodies are cells that help the body fight toxins caused by microbes (poisons). Antibodies identify or recognize substances called antigens on the surface of the microbe. And then, they mark these antigens for being eliminated. White blood cells are made or stored in various body areas, including the thymus, spleen, and bone marrow. For this reason, these organs are called lymphatic or lymphoid organs. Leukocytes are also stored in masses of lymphatic tissue, mainly in the lymph nodes.
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