How the immune system works:
Our immune system is essential for survival. Without our immune system, our bodies would be exposed to the elements, viruses, parasites, and so on. Our immune system keeps us healthy as we flood the ocean of pathogens.
This vast network of cells and tissues is constantly on the lookout for invaders, and once the enemy has detected this, a complex attack occurs.
Immune systems are spread throughout the body and include many types of cells, organs, proteins, and tissues. Seriously, it can separate our tissues from those of foreign tissue - your own and not your own. Dead and defective cells are also detected and removed by the immune system.
When the immune system encounters a pathogen, for example, bacteria, viruses, or viruses, it triggers a so-called immune response. Later, we will explain how this works, but first, we will introduce some of the key characters in the immune system.
Blood cells are white
White (yellow) blood cell, which attacks anthrax (orange) bacteria. The white line at the bottom is 5 micrometers long.
Photo credit: Volker Brinkmann
White blood cells are also called leukocytes. They circulate in the body in the blood vessels and lymphatic arteries that accompany the arteries and veins.
White blood cells are constantly on the lookout for pathogens. When they reach the target, they begin to multiply and send signals to other cell types to do the same.
Our white blood cells are stored in various parts of the body, called lymphoid organs. These include the following:
Thymus - hunger between the lungs and just below the neck.
Spleen - a blood-filtering organ. It sits on the left side of the abdomen.
Bone marrow - found in the middle of the bones, also produces red blood cells.
Lymph nodes - small glands located throughout the body, which are connected by lymphatic vessels.
There are two main types of leukocyte:
1. Phagocytes
These cells circulate and absorb the bacteria and break them down, eating them successfully. There are several types, including:
Neutrophils - these are the most common type of phagocyte and tend to attack bacteria.
Monocytes - this is a very large type and has many roles.
Macrophages - this pathogens and removes dead and dying cells.
Small cells - have many functions, including helping to heal wounds and protect them from pathogens.
2. Lymphocytes
Lymphocytes help the body remember the previous invaders and recognize them when they return to attack again.
Lymphocytes begin their life at the bone marrow. Some live in the bone marrow and grow into B lymphocytes (B cells), others go to the thymus and become T lymphocytes (T cells). These two types of cells have different roles:
B lymphocytes - produce antibodies and help inform T lymphocytes.
T lymphocytes - kill cells that are laid in the body and help inform other leukocytes.
Comments
Post a Comment