Kerala PSC » Kerala PSC Study Materials » Immunology » Organs and Cells with Immune Functions

Organs and Cells with Immune Functions

Organs and cells with immune functions is a complex network of protein and cells to defend the body against infections. This is a chapter related to immunology.

The immune system is made up of special cells and organs. It has special chemicals to fight against microbes. Our immunity system is made up of special proteins and cells. The immune system includes mucus membrane and skin along with the organs of the lymphatic system too.  

A well-working immunity system prevents germs from entering the body and even kills them or limits their growth. Unfortunately, many habits can boost the immunity system and even decrease it if proper maintenance is neglected. 

Definition of the immune system and function

The immunity system is a structure made with white blood cells, organs, chemicals, and proteins or antibodies. This large network protects a body from any foreign body, such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, or parasites. The immunity system is a system that protects from infection-causing germs and diseases. 

When the body’s immune system works properly, it can tell which cells of the body are yours and which cells are from the foreign body. It activates, attacks, and kills foreign particles that can harm the human body. A human body develops antibodies to protect from specified germs and develops an immune system according to the body’s condition. After getting specific vaccines, bodies develop an immune system and antibodies against foreign particles to destroy them when exposed in the future. 

However, if the immune system of a human body does not work properly, then the body can be exposed to serious attacks of several infections. Even killing the invader doesn’t stop attacking if the immune system is not working properly. To make an immune system work properly, it is important to keep a good sleep, reduce stress, healthy food, and control weight. 

What are the Organs and cells with immune functions

The main parts of the human immune system are, 

Antibodies

Antibodies help to fight against dioxins or poisons and microbes. After recognizing the outer substance of the microbe body, antibodies create antigens on the microbe surface. After making the microbes, these antigens take action to destroy the microbes. There are different protein cells chemicals involved in this process of attack. 

  • White blood cells

The key player of the immune system is the white blood cells. It is the most important part of the body’s immune system and the strongest one. White blood cells are produced in the bone marrow, part of the lymphatic system. White blood cells pass through blood tissues and look for foreign body particles to launch the immunity attacks. 

  • Complement system

The complement system is made of proteins, which complement antibodies.  It is a plasma protein system which is activated through pathogen activity which leads to numerous reactions. It forms a vital part of the immune system and hence helps cells to remove pathogens. 

  • Spleen

The spleen is the cell that destroys old blood cells and also removes microbes from the blood. It is known as blood-filtering cells of the body. 

  • Lymphatic system

A network made with delicate tunes in the body is known as the lymphatic system. It is a network through the body that manages the fluid level in the body. Also, react with bacteria, deal with cells that can create disease or infection, and absorb some amount of fats from the intestine.

  • Bone marrow

The spongy tissue found inside the bone is the bone marrow. It produces red blood cells and also carries oxygen to the body parts. It also produces platelets and white blood cells to fight against infection. 

  • Thymus 

It monitors and filters blood contents, which produce the T- lymphocytes white blood cells. It is located between the chest and lungs. Its location is more behind the breast bone and in- front of the heart. Thymus helps to fight infection and forms an important part of the immune system.  

Disorders in immunity systems

  1. Allergy: when a body overreacts to any harmless substance, such as food or drug, asthma, skin allergies, etc., it affects the immunity system. 
  2. Autoimmune disease: when a body component acts against the normal immune system, it creates autoimmune diseases in the body, such as diabetes, thyroid, etc. 
  3. Medical treatment: Under various medical treatments, the body can get low immunity due to the side effects of medications. 
  4. Cancer: Cancer can destroy the normal immune system of a body differently. Internal organs and external cells etc. are destroyed during the treatment, affecting the immune system. 

Conclusion

Like the other body parts, the immune system also needs nourishment, a healthy environment, and rest to function properly and stay strong. Changing certain habits can make the immune system stronger, and without proper rest and a healthy lifestyle, the immune system can also get affected negatively. 

It is made with a collection of organs and cells, a complicated structure. They all work together against any disease or germs to protect the body. This chapter has covered the concept of Organs and cells with immune functions and the structure. 

faq

Frequently asked questions

Get answers to the most common queries related to the Kerala PSC Examination Preparation.

What are lymphoid organs?

Answer. Lymphoid organs are divided into 2 parts, primary and secondary. Primary lymphoid organs are the thymus and ...Read full

Which organs of the immune system work as barriers?

Answer. Harmless bacteria present in our body, mucus, stomach acids, and antibacterial substances are the organic ba...Read full

How to keep the immune system healthy?

Answer. Lose weight, or gain weight according to the height and age Quit smoki...Read full

What are the three types of the immune system?

Answer. Passive, adaptive, and innate are the basic types of immune systems or immunity. Innate is a general protect...Read full

What are the signs of a weak immune system?

Answer : Easy cold and cough transmissio...Read full