The Skinâ Provides an impervious barrier to pathogens. Mucous membranes â Line the entrances to the body such as in the respiratory tract entrance...
Major Functions ● Fighting diseases ● The human body’s defense against infectious organisms and other intruders (natural)
Thymus & White Blood Cells ● Thymus:Where the lymphocyte precursors become thymocytes, which inturn mature into t-cells (chooses which are suitable, those unsuitable are eliminated) ● White blood cells:Cells of the immune system that are involved in defending the body against infectious disease and foreign invaders.
Antibody & Epidermis ● Antibody:A protein produced by a B-cell of the immune system that destroys pathogens ● Epidermis:A front line of the immune system; cellular and humoral mechanism or protein.
Cilia ● Cilia: Tiny “hairs” which can move and by moving they can push harmful substances out.
Mucus and Saliva Mucus:Helps the cilia by acting as a magnet to unwanted molecules which the cilia can push away Saliva:A fluid containing enzymes; those enzymes can degrade and break down bacteria and other harmful pathogens
Non-specific Barriers The Skin– Provides an impervious barrier to pathogens. Mucous membranes – Line the entrances to the body such as in the respiratory tract entrances. Mucus produced by these membranes traps foreign particles and directs them out of the body. Hairs and cilia – (Nasal hairs) Trap dust and dirt; (microscopic cilia) line some mucous membranes and direct foreign particles out of the body. Gastric juice, vaginal secretions and urine – Acidic fluids that have a protective function. Tears, sweat and saliva – Body fluids which possess some anti-bacterial properties. Ear Wax – Produced in the ear canal and protects the canal by trapping dirt and dust particles
White Blood Cells Found circulating throughout the body and if a pathogen penetrates the first line of defense, these cells play a role in inhibiting and destroying the pathogens before the harm the body
Vaccinations Vaccinations:Inject a weak form of a pathogen into the body so the immune system can create an antibody for the bacteria ● Hepatitis A ● Influenza ● Chicken pox
What Other Systems Does The Immune System Work With? The Immune System works with the circulatory system, the nervous system, and the digestive system. How? ● Circulatory: Main mode of transport for immune cells are the blood vessels ● Nervous: Attacks the myelin sheath of neurons leading to impaired ability to tell the muscles when or when not to contract resulting in muscle weakness and spasms ● Digestive: Atacks gluten in the intestines leading to an overreactive response that damages nearby tissue
Fun facts ● A weak immune system is not the cause of common colds ● There are about 50 billion white blood cells that fight diseases in your blood ● Less than 5 hours of sleep can weaken your immune system ● Too much sunshine can damage the immune system
Credits Design:Azia L. Research:Vanessa B. Worksheet:Zaria W.
