The Immune System (5 Mc)

The immune system's function is to fight against disease. It is responsible for identifying and eliminating harmful pathogens, such as bacteria and viruses, that enter the body. The immune system uses various mechanisms, including white blood cells and antibodies, to recognize and destroy these foreign invaders. By doing so, it helps to protect the body from infections and maintain overall health.

The immune system contains B and T cells. B cells are responsible for producing antibodies, which help in identifying and neutralizing pathogens. T cells, on the other hand, play a crucial role in cell-mediated immunity by directly attacking infected cells and coordinating the immune response. Both B and T cells are essential components of the adaptive immune system and work together to protect the body against various infections and diseases.

The immune system recognizes and tries to fight against antigens. Antigens are foreign substances that enter the body, such as bacteria, viruses, or toxins. When the immune system detects these antigens, it produces antibodies to neutralize or destroy them. This immune response is crucial for protecting the body from infections and diseases.

During an allergic response, the immune system mistakenly identifies harmless substances, known as allergens, as foreign invaders. This triggers an immune response where the body starts to attack healthy tissues, believing they are foreign invaders. This immune response can lead to various symptoms such as inflammation, itching, sneezing, and difficulty breathing. In severe cases, it can even be life-threatening, causing anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction that can result in a drop in blood pressure, difficulty breathing, and loss of consciousness.

B cells play a crucial role in the immune response by producing antibodies. Antibodies are proteins that bind to specific antigens, which are foreign substances or molecules that can elicit an immune response. When B cells encounter antigens, they produce antibodies that can recognize and bind to those antigens. This binding directs the immune response and helps to target the molecules or pathogens for destruction. Therefore, B cells act as the military base directing where molecules attack. T cells, on the other hand, are involved in cell-mediated immunity and do not produce antibodies.