The immune system consists of a network of organs, white blood cells, proteins (antibodies), and chemicals. The purpose of the immune system is to protect from foreign invaders such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi that cause illnesses and diseases. There are two main parts of the immune system the innate immune system and the adaptive immune system. Everyone is born with the innate immune system although the adaptive system develops when the body is exposed to microbes. The first line of defense in the immune system is made up of the skin and mucous membranes. This protects against outer pathogens from entering from the body. The second line of defense allots with pathogens that have already entered the body. Lastly, another common immune response is known as the inflammatory response which is the biological response to harmful stimuli such as chemical irritants, frostbite, burns, etc.
Bone Marrow - Sponge-like tissue found in the bones. Produces most of the immune system cells. As humans get older, red bone
marrow turns into fatty tissue.
Thymus - Located behind the breastbone above the heart. Thymus reaches full maturity only in children and slowly becomes fatty tissue. Special cells known as T-cells move through the body and monitor for changes in cell surfaces.
Lymph nodes - Small bean-shaped tissues found along the lymphatic vessels. Lymph nodes act as filters.
Spleen - Located in the left upper abdomen, beneath the diaphragm. It’s responsible for the storage of immune system cells, breaking down red blood cells, and storing and breaking down platelets, which are responsible for blood clotting.
Tonsils - Since their location is at the throat and palate, they stop germs from entering the body through the mouth or the nose. Contains many white blood cells in charge of fighting pathogens.
Mucous Membranes - Most of the body’s cells that produce antibodies are found in the bowel wall. They detect foreign substances and destroy them as well as save information to react quick.
Works Cited
“Anatomy/Immune System - Wiki.” Scioly.org, 18 July 2022, https://scioly.org/wiki/index.php/Anatomy/Immune_System. Accessed 5 April 2023.
“The Immune System.” Johns Hopkins Medicine, https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/the-immune-system. Accessed 5 April 2023.
“Immune System: Parts & Common Problems.” Cleveland Clinic, 23 February 2020, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/21196-immune-system. Accessed 5 April 2023.
“What are the organs of the immune system? - InformedHealth.org.” NCBI, 30 July 2020, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279395/. Accessed 5 April 2023.
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