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.
The immune system is divided into two important parts:
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:
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.
The human immune system is divided into six main parts:
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.
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.
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.