Explore the immune system, our body's defense against pathogens, including its innate and adaptive branches, and how it distinguishes self from non-self. Learn about the barriers to infection, the coordinated immune response to invaders, and the conditions that arise from immune system malfunctions such as autoimmune diseases, immunodeficiencies, and allergies.
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The immune system is a network of cells, tissues, and organs that defends the body against pathogens and foreign substances
Innate Immune System
The innate immune system provides immediate but non-specific defense against invaders
Adaptive Immune System
The adaptive immune system develops a targeted response to specific pathogens and retains memory for future infections
The innate immune system provides immediate action while the adaptive immune system offers a tailored and enduring defense
Innate immunity is present from birth and provides non-specific defense, while adaptive immunity is acquired over time and has memory for past infections
Physical barriers like skin and internal defenses like fever and inflammation are part of innate immunity, while adaptive immunity involves the production of antibodies and activation of T cells
The interplay between innate and adaptive immunity is crucial for an effective immune response
The immune system responds to pathogenic invasion through a coordinated effort of physical barriers, innate immune cells, and adaptive immune cells
The innate immune system activates phagocytes to engulf and digest pathogens, and releases inflammatory molecules to control the infection
If the innate response is insufficient, the adaptive immune system mounts a specific attack against the pathogen and creates immunological memory for future protection
The immune system differentiates self from non-self through the recognition of specific molecules on pathogens or foreign cells
The immune system must be precise to avoid attacking the body's own cells, which could lead to autoimmune disorders
Tolerance mechanisms are in place to prevent self-reactivity and ensure the immune system only targets harmful invaders
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