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Introduction
The network of the human immune system consists of various cells, organs and proteins that function together to protect the body from external elements and invaders such as fungus, bacteria, viruses and other harmful microorganisms.
One of the basic functions of the human immune system other than protecting the body from harmful toxins and microorganisms is to remember the germs and bacterias it has defeated in the past so as to protect the body in the future in case of attack from the same external invaders.
Malfunctioning of the immune system in humans can lead to the development of several abnormalities and long-term illnesses or diseases. It can also lead to autoimmune disorders and immunodeficiency.
Two Types of Immunity in Humans
The immune system is divided into two important parts:
- Innate immune system
- The adaptive or acquired immune system
Innate immune system
This is the immune system that humans are actively born with. In case of external invasion by harmful toxins and microorganisms, the innate immune system goes into action immediately to fight the external germs and bacterias and protects the body from long term diseases.
When the innate immune system recognises the invasion of toxic external microorganisms, the cells from this immune system gather around the external invaders and engulf them completely. The germs from the toxins are destroyed inside the cells of the innate immune system, and these cells are known as Phagocytes.
The innate immune system forms the first line of defence against harmful antigens and toxins. Some of the examples of innate or non-specific immunity include:
- Acid reflux in the stomach
- Skin immunity
- Cough reflex
- Enzymes that are found in tear ducts and skin oils
The adaptive or acquired immune system
The acquired or adaptive immune system develops antibodies to fight pathogens and invasive microorganisms. This immunity is known as acquired or adaptive immunity since it is not omnipresent from the time of birth like the innate immune system.
The adaptive immunity gets developed with age as the body starts forming new antibodies every time it experiences an external invasion from pathogens. But, it’s important to note that these antibodies formed by the acquired immune system do not get replenished independently.
The B lymphocytes cells of the body form these antibodies, which further help in fighting against invasive pathogens. After the germ cells are completely defeated, the body recognises the line of defense to fight against the same foreign invaders in future.
Human Immune System
The human immune system is divided into six main parts:
- The lymphatic system consists of lymph nodes, lymph vessels, and white blood cells. The lymphatic system maintains the bodily fluids, managing and dealing with the cancer cells, dealing with the bacteria, absorbing harmful fats from our diets and meals
White blood cells are the main factors that respond to the invasion of external bacterias and microorganisms. The white blood cells are formed in the bone marrow, and they travel through the blood and tissues of the body.
- Antibodies: The antibodies deal with the invasion of external pathogens by remembering the pattern of the antigens found on the surface in the toxins. They tend to recognise the pattern and attack the germ cells by engulfing and destroying them
- Complement system: This system constitutes protein molecules that complement the functioning of the antibodies
- Spleen: The spleen acts as a filtering organ for the blood, and it is also responsible for developing disease-fighting elements for the immune system
- Bone marrow: This is a soft-cushiony element found inside the bones, which produces the white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets, which are responsible for the process of blood clotting
- Thymus: The Thymus produces the white blood cells known as T-lymphocytes, and it manages the filtration of blood
Human immune response
The human immune response can be defined as the ability of the immune system of the body to recognise the pattern of defence against external toxins and microorganisms such as viruses, bacterias, fungus, etc.
The body’s white blood cells play a major role in forming the first line of defence against pathogens. They are developed in bone marrow as well as travel through the blood and tissues of the body.
In terms of quick reflexes and responses against minor inconveniences such as cough, cold etc., the innate immune system that has been present in the body since birth comes into action and immediately forms a line of defence against the flu viruses.
Conclusion
The human immune system can be defined as a solid network of various organs, cells, and proteins that form a defense against external harmful toxins and invaders such as viruses, bacterias, and other microorganisms.
The immune system can be classified into two major categories such as- the innate immune system and the acquired immune system. While the former is present in the body since birth, the latter, as the name suggests, is acquired as the individual ages and experiences external invasions from harmful toxins and microbes.
