There are two main parts of your mighty immune system:
1. The innate immune system, which you are born with.
2. The adaptive immune system, which you develop when your body is exposed to microbes or chemicals released by microbes.
Innate System
This is your rapid response system. It patrols your body and is the first to respond when it finds an invader. The innate immune system is inherited and is active from the moment you are born. When this system recognizes an invader, it goes into action immediately. The cells of this immune system surround and engulf the invader. The invader is killed inside your mighty immune system cells. These cells are called phagocytes.
Acquired System
The acquired immune system, with help from the innate system, produces cells (antibodies) to protect your body from a specific invader. These antibodies are developed by cells called B lymphocytes after the body has been exposed to the invader. The antibodies stay in your body. It can take several days for antibodies to develop. But after the first exposure, the immune system will recognize the invader and defend against it. The acquired immune system changes throughout your life.
Many tissues and cells contribute to a healthy immune system. The tonsils and the thymus: These are responsible for producing antibodies, against foreign invaders in the body.
Lymphatic system: Made up of lymph nodes and vessels, this is a network that carries lymph fluid, nutrients and waste material between the body’s tissues and the bloodstream.
Bone marrow: This is the soft tissue found primarily inside the long bones of the arms, legs, vertebrae and the pelvic bones in the body. It’s made of red marrow, which produces red and white blood cells along with platelets and yellow marrow. Spleen: The spleen filters the blood by removing old or damaged cells or platelets. It also helps the immune system by destroying bacteria and other invaders. White blood cells: Made in the bone marrow, these cells protect your body from infection. If an infection develops, white blood cells attack and destroy the organism causing it, whether it’s bacteria, a virus or another organism.
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