what does the immune system do? Each and every American should know

what does the immune system do?Each and every American should know

The immune system is a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect the body from foreign invaders, such as viruses and bacteria. It is responsible for identifying and attacking these invaders, as well as identifying and removing damaged or abnormal cells from the body. The immune system is essential for maintaining the health and well-being of an individual, as it helps to prevent infections and diseases that can cause serious illness or even death.

There are two main types of immunity: innate immunity and adaptive immunity. Innate immunity is the body's first line of defense against foreign invaders and is activated immediately upon exposure. It includes physical and chemical barriers, such as skin, mucous membranes, and stomach acid, as well as non-specific immune cells, such as neutrophils and macrophages. Adaptive immunity, on the other hand, is a slower, more targeted response that is activated after exposure to a specific invader. It involves the production of antibodies, which are proteins that specifically target and neutralize specific invaders.

The immune system is made up of various types of cells, each with a specific function. One of the main types of immune cells is the white blood cell, also known as a leukocyte. There are several different types of white blood cells, including neutrophils, which are responsible for attacking and killing bacteria; lymphocytes, which are responsible for producing antibodies and regulating immune responses; and monocytes, which are responsible for identifying and attacking foreign invaders.

The immune system also includes the lymphatic system, which is a network of vessels and organs that help to transport immune cells throughout the body. The lymphatic system includes the spleen, which filters the blood and removes damaged or abnormal cells; the thymus, which is responsible for the development and maturation of T-cells (a type of lymphocyte); and the lymph nodes, which are small, bean-shaped organs that filter lymph fluid and produce immune cells.

In addition to the cells and organs of the immune system, there are also several chemicals and proteins that play a role in the immune response. One of these is interferon, which is a protein produced by cells in response to a viral infection. Interferon helps to protect cells from the virus by inhibiting its replication and stimulating the immune response. Other immune system proteins include cytokines, which are chemicals that help to coordinate the immune response, and chemokines, which help to attract immune cells to the site of an infection.

The immune system is also involved in the production of antibodies, which are proteins that are specifically designed to target and neutralize foreign invaders. There are several different types of antibodies, including IgG, IgM, IgA, and IgE. Each type has a specific function and is produced in response to a specific type of invader. For example, IgG is the most common type of antibody and is produced in response to bacteria and viruses. It is responsible for neutralizing the invader and helping to prevent future infections.

The immune system is constantly at work, protecting the body from foreign invaders and identifying and removing damaged or abnormal cells. However, there are times when the immune system can become compromised, such as in the case of an autoimmune disorder, in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own cells. There are also times when the immune system can become overactive, as in the case of allergies, in which the immune system reacts to a normally harmless substance as if it were a foreign invader.

Overall, the immune system is an essential part of the body's defense system, working to protect us from infections and diseases. It is a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to identify and attack foreign