The Immune System T. Zack Crawford

Function The function of the excretory system is to keep infectious microorganisms including bacteria, viruses, fungi out of the body and also destroying those that enter.

Major organs used in the immune system Adenoids Appendix Blood vessels Lymph nodes Lymphatic vessels Peyer's patches Spleen Thymus Tonsils

How the body recognizes pathogens Antibodies are proteins produced by B lymphocytes that protect against foreign invaders by recognizing protein or carbohydrate chains, called antigens, on the surface of foreign bacteria or viruses. If an antibody binds to a foreign antigen, the invasive body will be phagocytized by neutrophils or macrophages and other immune responses will be triggered. Each antigen has its own antibody!

Innate vs Acquired Immunity Innate (Natural) Immunity is the body's natural protection to an infection including protective substances on your body as well as inherited antibodies. Acquired Immunity is the body's response to an infection you have already experienced. Your body remembers antigens and how to respond to them Vaccinations are an example of forcing an acquired immunity. You are exposed to a weakened sample of the infection so that you can more easily combat it if infected later.

Active vs Passive Immunity Active immunity is permanent immunity in your body caused by having B and T cells that can recognize a specific antigen and produce a rapid immune response when necessary. Passive immunity is temporary immunity in your body caused by receiving antibodies and not producing your own. This immunity only exists while the antibodies are in your blood stream. Examples of this are injections as well as transfer between a mother and her placental fetus

Humoral Vs Cell-Mediated Immunity The body has two types of immune responses:

Antibiotics Antibiotics are materials that either inhibit bacterial growth or kill bacteria. Viruses are not effected by antibiotics because they are not bacteria, but rather a nonliving protein carrying DNA code that is injected into a victim cell.

HIV/AIDS HIV is a retrovirus the infects vital immune cells such as T-Cells which ultimately leads to low T-Cell count and failure of the cell-mediated immune system, leaving the victim open to infection. HIV is transmitted through body fluids and can be sexually transmitted. There is a long list of symptoms of HIV/AIDS; most of which are various infections, but there exists an HIV test for those of high risk. As of 2010, approximately 34 million people worldwide are infected with HIV. There is currently no HIV cure or vaccine; there does however exist antiretroviral therapy which slows the progression of the disease. HIV infection can be prevented by safe sexual practices and HIV testing when at risk.

Lupus erythematosus Lupus is a collection of autoimmune diseases where the body's immune system becomes hyperactive and attacks healthy tissue. Lupus will result in symptoms such as inflammation, swelling, and damage to vital organs, however symptoms vary from person to person and can easily be confused for another disease. Lupus could be caused by various things, but is believed to result from genetic and environmental stimuli. Lupus has no cure, often when it is diagnosed, only the symptoms are treated.

Sources http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Immune_system http://medicalcenter.osu.edu/patientcare/healthcare_services/infectious_diseases/immunesystem/Pages/index.aspx http://faculty.clintoncc.suny.edu/faculty/michael.gregory/files/bio%20102/bio%20102%20lectures/Immune%20System/lymphati.htm http://library.thinkquest.org/C004367/be7.shtml http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/B-cells http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T-cells http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HIV http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aids http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lupus_erythematosus http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/info/lupus/