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
• The immune system
distinctive shapes
then produces
called epitopes that
antibodies.
protrude from the
• Phagocytes are the
body.
first line of defense.
• When the foreign
• If phagocytes cannot
body is discovered, the
eat all of the
immune system
bacteria/virus,
responds. This is why
lymphocytes begin
transplants often fail.
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……………
Immune system
information
summary
concept map
What
this
system
attacks
bacteria
virus
fungi
parasites
The
function
of
immune system
antibodies
lymph
The components
of
the
immune system
tonsils
adenoids
spleen
bone marrow
lymphatic
vessels
lymph
nodes
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.