IMMNUNE SYSTEM

The purpose of the immune system is protect the body from pathogens or any foreign particles that can disrupt homeostasis.


What are some ways your body can react when it is invaded by pathogens?

Some possible immune reactions that can occur when your body is invaded by pathogens or foreign particles are:

- produces mucus to trap the pathogens.

- sneezing and coughing to uproot and excrete the pathogens.

- fever to increase blood flow.

- produces white blood cells.

- produces antibodies against invading pathogens.

What are pathogens?

• Pathogens are disease causing organisms. Ex. bacteria, viruses.

What are antigens?

• Antigens are any foreign particle in the body that triggers an immune reaction.

What are antibodies?

• Antibodies are special proteins that are made by your white blood cells to fight infections.

Note: Antibodies are proteins, that is they have specific shape. Antibodies that work against one pathogenic organism will not work against another because of the shape difference.

What are antibiotics?

• Antibiotics are drugs that fight pathogens (bacteria, viruses).

What are vaccines?

• Vaccines are a weakened form of a disease used to stimulate the production of antibodies against the disease.

What is an allergy?

• An allergy is an immune response to substances that are harmless.  These harmless substances are perceived as threats.  As a result, the defense mechanisms are activated. 

CHECK OUT THIS ANIMATION

CLICK HERE: "IMMUNE RESPONSE"

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