The IMMUNE System Unit 3 Transportation Systems

Functions of the Immune System Provide immunity to the body by protecting against disease. Identify and kill pathogens and tumor cells. Produces white blood cells and antibodies. Filters out organisms that cause disease.

Structures of the Immune System

White Blood Cells Tonsils Lymph Nodes

Tonsils Lymphoid tissue located on either side of the throat Destroy harmful organisms that enter the body through the mouth

Lymph Nodes Filters or traps for foreign particles. Contain white blood cells. Found throughout the body in the neck, armpit, chest, abdomen, elbows, groin, and knees.

Lymph Nodes lymph nodes in the body Filter the lymph before it can be returned to circulatory system

White Blood Cells Protect against infection and disease. Produced in the bone marrow and move to other parts of the body until they’re needed to fight infection. Not released into the bloodstream until they’re needed.

Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell. There are B and T type lymphocytes. B cells produce antibodies. Antibodies attach to a specific antigen and make it easier for the immune cells to destroy the antigen. T cells attack antigens directly and help control the immune response. They also release chemicals, known as cytokines, which control the entire immune response. Structures of the Immune System

Diseases and Disorders Immune System

HIV Affects T cells within the immune system. Attacks the RNA of the T cell, causing the T cell to alter its DNA structure to that of HIV. Causes the T cells to replicate and create more HIV When infected AIDS is the final stage of the HIV infection.

AIDS Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Contagious disease comprising the immune system Caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Capable of becoming multi-drug resistant AIDS is the final stage of the HIV infection Average incubation period for AIDS development is 10 years from point of infection Characterized by “opportunistic infections” There is no cure!!

Lupus Chronic, inflammatory, autoimmune disorder affecting many organ systems Body’s defenses are turned against itself and immune cells attack healthy tissues

Mononucleosis Also known as the kissing disease Infectious inflammatory disease caused by the Epstein-Barr virus Most commonly affects young adults between the ages of 15 and 25

Careers Microbiologist – research-oriented scientist Epidemiologist – identify and track diseases Ethicist – ethics in medicine or medical law and ethics in delivery of health care.

Microbiologist A microbiologist is a scientist who works in the field of biology. Microbiologists can be known under different names depending on the field of microbiology they specialize in. A medical microbiologist will specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of microbial diseases in patients. Salary:$40,000/yr Education: Bachelors degree in an area of specialty.

Epidemiologist Identify and track diseases as they occur in a group of people. Determine risk factors that make the disease more likely to occur and evaluate situations that may cause occupational exposure to toxic substances. Salary: $40,000 + Education: Minimum of bachelors degree, Masters degree is recommended.

Ethicist Offers guidance to patients, their familes, professional staff on ethical, legal and policy issues and concerns. Provides guidance to institutional ethics committees to follow policy and educational review activites. Salary: $70,000/yr Education: Masters or Doctorate related to health ethics and at least 5 years of experience in the field.