The immune system is made up of cells and organs that protect your body from outside invaders such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites that can cause infection and disease.
The immune system also gets rid of abnormal pre-cancerous cells and cancerous cells that are growing out of control.
The human immune system is comprised of a diverse and interactive network of specialized cells localized in diverse tissues throughout the body, where they mediate protection against pathogens and environmental insults while maintaining tissue homeostasis
When it works correctly, it fights off infection and keeps you healthy. However, when the immune system is weak, germs and other abnormal cells in the body can more easily cause infections and diseases.
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Parts of the immune system
The main parts of the immune system are:
- white blood cells : White blood cells circulate around the blood and help the immune system fight off infections.
- bone marrow : this produces blood cells such as lymphocytes.
antibodies : Antibodies are protective proteins produced by your immune system. They attach to antigens (foreign substances) such as bacteria, fungi, viruses and toxins and remove them from your body.
spleen : this is an organ under your ribs on your left side that filters germs from the blood.
lymphatic vessels: it is a network of tiny vessels that allows immune cells to travel through the body in a fluid called lymph.
thymus : this is a gland in your upper chest where some immune cells mature.
How can I improve my immunity?
Tips for boosting immunity include:
- Exercising regularly
- Get enough and adequate sleep
- maintain your body weight
- Abstinence from smoking
- Limiting the intake of salts, sugar and alcohol
What does the immune system do ?
- Your immune system works hard to keep you healthy. It does this by:
- Keeping invaders out of your body.
- They destroying invaders.
- They fight the harm And limit invader in your body system
Summary
Your immune system protects your body from infection and includes a complex network of cells, chemicals, tissues and organs.
Your immune system includes the skin, bone marrow, thymus, lymphatic system, lymph nodes, spleen and mucous membranes.
Immune conditions can occur if your immune system is underactive or overactive.
Your immune system recognises ‘invaders’ such as bacteria, viruses and fungi, as well as abnormal cells like cancer cells, and then helps your body fight them.
