The Immune System

The immune system is what keeps us from getting constantly sick. If we did not have the immune system, we could die of the common cold. The immune system is made up of many organs that work together to free our body of pathogens, or infectious agents.

Lymphocytes, which are a type of white blood cell, are the main part of the immune system. Once it detects an intruder on its 100,000 identical receptors, it locks onto the antigen to kill it. When the lymphocyte does kill it, it starts to clone so that when the antigen comes in the body a second time the immunity defense will be ready. Some lymphocytes are made in the bone marrow and are then called B-cells. Some lymphocytes are made in the thymus and are then called T-cells.

There are several other organs in the immune system. There are the lymph nodes which produce some elements in lymph. Lymph is a colorless liquid sent through capillaries to nourish tissue. There is also the spleen which helps modify blood structure. Also, the appendix is thought to aid in immunity.

The immune system is very important to our body. It protects our body by attacking and destroying organisms that may harm it. We should be very thankful for our immune system.

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