The Immune System The body’s line of defense against disease happens here.

Immune System The immune system is a network of cells and organs that attacks foreign invaders. The immune system is able to distinguish between “self” molecules and “non-self” molecules.

How is it able to do that? All tissues and cells that are supposed to be in our bodies have a marker on them that let’s immune cells know not to attack.

What’s bad? Foreign bodies have distinctive shapes called epitopes that protrude from the body. When the foreign body is discovered, the immune system responds. This is why transplants often fail. The immune system then produces antibodies. Phagocytes are the first line of defense. If phagocytes cannot eat all of the bacteria/virus, lymphocytes begin fighting.

Organs of the Immune System The lymphatic system is a body wide drainage system that brings water and proteins back to the blood for disposal or usage. This fluid is called lymph. The network is the lymph vessels.

Lymphatic System

Immune System The lymphatic system defends the body against infection by catching harmful organisms in the lymph nodes located along the lymph system. These lymph nodes house lymphocytes which make antibodies for certain invaders.

How are they made? The antigen comes into contact with the B cell (a lymphocyte) and it makes a Class II MHC receptor mechanism. The helper T cell then binds to the receptor and activate the B cell to release antibodies.

Antibodies The antibodies are made by the lymphocytes and are able to “fit” into the shapes (epitopes) and kill them.

So……………

How do we keep it healthy? Rest Good diet that follows the food guide pyramid Exercise Relaxation Good work habits Lots of water

Now you tell me what you know I need for you to create a concept map using the following terminology and others that you may have learned: immune system, lymphatic vessels, lymph nodes, filter, lymph, B cells, lymphocytes, epitopes, Class II MHC receptor, phagocytes, spleen, appendix, tonsils, disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, antigen, helper T cell, AIDS, healthy, diet, food pyramid, water, exercise.