Understanding Your Immune System

The immune system is your body's defense against harmful invaders. 🛡️ It's a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs working together to keep you healthy.

The skin, cornea, and mucosa of the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and genitourinary tracts form a physical barrier that is the body's first line of defense. Some of these barriers also have active immune functions:

Outer, keratinized epidermis: Keratinocytes in the skin secrete antimicrobial peptides (defensins), and sebaceous and sweat glands secrete microbe-inhibiting substances (eg, lactic acid, fatty acids). Also, many immune cells (eg, mast cells, intraepithelial lymphocytes, antigen-sampling Langerhans cells) reside in the skin.

Cornea: Neutrophils reach the cornea through vessels at the limbus and kill microbes by phagocytosis.

Mucosa of the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and genitourinary tracts: The mucus contains antimicrobial substances, such as lysozyme, lactoferrin, and secretory immunoglobulin (Ig) A antibody (SIgA).

 Here's a quick breakdown:

1. White Blood Cells (WBCs): The superheroes of your immune system, WBCs patrol your body, identifying and neutralizing threats.

2. Antibodies: These proteins are like targeted missiles. They recognize and latch onto specific invaders, marking them for destruction.

3. Lymphatic System: A network of vessels and nodes that helps carry immune cells and fluids throughout your body.

4. Bone Marrow and Thymus: These organs play key roles in producing and maturing immune cells.

5. Spleen: Acts as a blood filter, removing old or damaged blood cells and storing platelets.

🔍How It Works: When a threat is detected, your immune system launches a coordinated attack. This can include inflammation, fever, and other responses aimed at eliminating the intruders.