Table of contents:
The immune system is one of the most important body functions. The reason is, without your immune system it is easy to get sick due to viruses, bacteria, and certain disorders. The immune system, also often referred to as the immune system, must be properly maintained in order to protect you from various diseases. However, what does the human immune system actually look like? Find out here!
What is the immune system?
The immune system is a group of specialized cells, proteins, tissues and organs that work together to fight anything that is harmful to the body.
This system consists of many components, from cells to organs. One of the most important types of cells in these tissues are white blood cells (leukocytes).
Leukocytes are produced or stored in various places in the body. Among them are the thymus, spleen, and bone marrow, which are known as lymphoid organs. Sometimes leukocytes are also stored in lumps of lymphoid tissue (lymph glands) that are scattered throughout the body.
Leukocytes travel throughout the body via the lymphatic vessels and veins as they patrol, monitoring for possible dangerous invaders.
There are two main types of leukocytes that work together to find and kill disease-causing organisms or substances, namely:
- Lymphocytes are cells that help the body remember and recognize previous invaders. Lymphocytes also help destroy these invaders. There are two types of lymphocytes, namely B lymphocytes and T lymphocytes. Produced in the bone marrow, lymphocytes will remain and develop into B cells, or move to the thymus gland and develop into T cells.
- Phagocytes are the cells that feed on invaders. There are various kinds of cells which are classified as phagocytes. Each type of phagocyte has its own job. For example, the most common type are neutrophils, which fight bacteria.
How does the immune system work?
Microorganisms and foreign substances that attack the body are known as antigens or germs. When an antigen is detected, a series of immune responses will occur to protect the body from becoming infected.
In this process, several types of cells work together to recognize antigens and respond. These cells then stimulate the B lymphocytes to produce antibodies. Antibodies are proteins specially designed to attach to specific antigens. After that, the T cell looks for the antigen that has been loaded and destroys it. T cells also help signal other cells (such as phagocytes) to do their job.
Once produced, the antibodies will remain in a person's body for some time, so that when the antigen or germs return, the antibodies will be available to carry out their mission.
Antibodies can also neutralize toxins produced by organisms and activate a group of proteins called complement. Complement is part of the immune system that helps kill bacteria, viruses or infected cells.
Together, all the specialized cells and parts of the immune system provide protection for the body against disease. This protection is called immunity.
