What is Immune System?
Immune system is an important part of the human body. Without this system, humans will be constrained to live in a germ-free environment. People will not be able to touch one another as it may trigger the spread of a disease. People will be confined in a sterile area and will not have the freedom to go out and feel life. As for the definition, immune system is our body’s own complicated operation that maintains good health.
Similar to various complex systems in nature is the immune system of humans. The immune system is considered to be in out of the ordinary existence but works in coordination with each body system. As long as the immune system works properly, an individual will have no difficulty in staying healthy. However, if something wrong happens to it, diseases will surely be invading an individual’s body.
The lymphatic system is considered to be the major element of the immune system. Lymph nodes are tiny organs that help transport lymph fluid through every part of the body. These tiny organs are concentrated in the throat, groin, and armpits of a human. The content of a lymph fluid are lymphocytes and white blood cells that pass around the entire human body.
White blood cells (WBC) are considered to be the key in fighting harmful bacteria in the body that may cause diseases. Without the white blood cells, the immune system will be incomplete and will end-up useless. WBCs destroy foreign cells or cells that cause a disease. When a person’s white blood cell increases, it is a clear indication that the body is having an infection. The increase of WBCs is a counter reaction of the immune system to fend off harmful cells. The more severe the infection, the higher count of WBC is produced by the immune system.
The part of the body responsible for the production of WBC is the spongy tissue known as bone marrow. The bone marrow is nutrient-rich and is vital for the immune system to function properly. The immune system is also backed up by other parts of the body such as the hair in the nose and the lungs’ mucus linings. Such parts catch bacteria before it reaches the bloodstream and create an infection.
The specific types of cells that attack disease-causing cells are the B and T cells. These cells are also known as types of lymphocytes. Both cells work together for the immune system. B cell functions as the producer of antibodies. On the other hand, T cells functions as the regulator for the immune response of the body.
When a disease successfully invades a person’s body, it is most probably a consequence of inadequate immunity. Moreover, it may also mean that the immune system is responding inappropriately. Sneezing may be a good example of an inappropriate immune response. The body is not recognizing the virus causing a cold, so the T cell will simply let it pass by utilizing the sneeze as a response.
On the other hand, there are diseases that are dangerously weakening the immune system. Some of these diseases are AIDS and diabetes, which are both considered deadly. Fortunately, modern technology has provided humans to enhance the immune system through vaccination.
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