The Immune System
The immune system is made up of special cells, proteins, tissues, and organs and defends people against germs and microorganisms every day, 24/7. Our bodies have enemies, which we are unable to see and may not even be aware they exist.
We also have an army (Our Immune System) that expertly protects us against all forms of external threat and is constantly on guard. It is a network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to defend the body against attacks by “foreign” invaders.
Our Bodies are Homes to Millions of Organisms
Millions of microbes have made your body their habitat and most of them will never do you any harm. However, some can be pathogenic, which means that they cause disease. Human pathogens include some bacteria, viruses and fungi, as well as parasites such as tapeworms and flukes, and protozoa like Plasmodium, which causes malaria.
Some microbes can be good for us. It’s known that the gut microbiota, the bacteria in our gastrointestinal tract, exist in a mutualistic relationship with us – one where both parties benefit. But it’s not clear how the immune system views these cells. Recent studies suggest that newly discovered populations of immune cells may help train the immune system to tolerate beneficial bacteria. When functioning properly, the immune system identifies and attacks a variety of threats, including viruses, bacteria and parasites, while distinguishing them from the body’s own healthy tissue.
Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped structures that produce and store cells that fight infection and disease and are part of the lymphatic system — which consists of bone marrow, spleen, thymus and lymph nodes. Lymph nodes also contain lymph, the clear fluid that carries those cells to different parts of the body. When the body is fighting infection, lymph nodes can become enlarged and feel sore.
The Spleen is the largest lymphatic organ in the body, which is on your left side, under your ribs and above your stomach, contains white blood cells that fight infection or disease. The spleen also helps control the amount of blood in the body and disposes of old or damaged blood cells.