A well-working immune system prevents germs from entering your body and kills them or limits their harm if they get in. To keep your immune system healthy, get plenty or sleep, stay active, eat healthy foods, manage your weight, reduce your stress and follow other healthful habits. Show
OverviewYour immune system is made of up a complex collection of cells and organs. The system works together to protect you from germs and helps you get better when you get sick.What is the immune system?Your immune system is a large network of organs, white blood cells, proteins (antibodies) and chemicals. This system works together to protect you from foreign invaders (bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi) that cause infection, illness and disease. FunctionWhat does the immune system do and how does it work?Your immune system works hard to keep you healthy. Its job is to keep germs out of your body, destroy them or limit the extent of their harm if they get in. When your immune system is working properly: When your immune system is working properly, it can tell which cells are yours and which substances are foreign to your body. It activates, mobilizes, attacks and kills foreign invader germs that can cause you harm. Your immune system learns about germs after you’ve been exposed to them too. Your body develops antibodies to protect you from those specific germs. An example of this concept occurs when you get a vaccine. Your immune system builds up antibodies to foreign cells in the vaccine and will quickly remember these foreign cells and destroy them if you are exposed to them in the future. Sometimes doctors can prescribe antibiotics to help your immune system if you get sick. But antibiotics only kill certain bacteria. They don’t kill viruses. When your immune system is not working properly: When your immune system can’t mount a winning attack against an invader, a problem, such as an infection, develops. Also, sometimes your immune system mounts an attack when there is no invader or doesn’t stop an attack after the invader has been killed. These activities result in such problems as autoimmune diseases and allergic reactions. AnatomyWhat are the parts of the immune system?Your immune system is made of up a complex collection of cells and organs. They all work together to protect you from germs and help you get better when you’re sick. The main parts of the immune system are:
Conditions and DisordersWhat conditions and disorders affect the immune system?Many deficiencies and disorders can damage or disrupt your immune system. Some medicines make it harder for your body to fight infection. Certain health conditions cause your immune system to attack healthy cells or make it hard for your immune system to protect you from harmful germs. They include:
CareHow can I keep my immune system healthy?Just like the rest of your body, your immune system needs nourishment, rest, and a healthy environment to stay strong. Certain lifestyle changes can boost your immune system and help you avoid illness. To keep your immune system running smoothly, you should:
Frequently Asked QuestionsI seem to get sick a lot. When should I call my doctor?If you feel like you’re always sick or you have symptoms that never seem to go away, you should visit your doctor. Some symptoms could be signs of an autoimmune disease. These symptoms include:
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What cells are immune system cells?Immune cells develop from stem cells in the bone marrow and become different types of white blood cells. These include neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, mast cells, monocytes, macrophages, dendritic cells, natural killer cells, and lymphocytes (B cells and T cells).
What are the 2 types of immune system cells?Two types of lymphocytes comprise the adaptive immune system — B cells and T cells. B cells mature in the bone marrow (hence the name “B cell”). Cells that eventually become T cells travel from the bone marrow to the thymus by way of our bloodstream where they mature (hence the name “T cell”).
What are the cells of the immune system and their functions?B lymphocytes produce antibodies and help alert the T lymphocytes. T lymphocytes destroy compromised cells in the body and help to alert other leukocytes. Natural killer (NK) cells are also lymphocytes. NK cells recognize and destroy cells that contain a virus.
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