ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY

The immune system is composed of an integrated collection of various cell types, each
with a designated functional role in defending against infection and invasion by other organisms.
Supporting this system are molecules that are responsible for the interactions, modulations and
regulation of the system. These molecules and cells participate in specific interactions with
immunogenic epitopes (antigenic determinants) present on foreign materials, initiating a series
of actions in a host, including the inflammatory response, the lysis of microbial agents, and the
disposal of foreign toxins. The major components of the immune system include central and
peripheral organs, tissues, and cells.

Bone Marrow
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The white blood cells (WBCs) involved in immunity are produced in the bone
marrow like other blood cells; lymphocytes are generated from stem cells, which
are undifferentiated cells. There are two types of lymphocytes B lymphocytes
(B cells) and T lymphocytes (T cells). B lymphocytes mature in the bone marrow
and then enter the circulation. T lymphocytes move from the bone marrow to the
thymus, where they mature into several kinds of cells with different functions.

Lymphoid Tissues
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The spleen, composed of red and white pulp, acts somewhat like a filter. The red
pulp is the site where old and injured red blood cells (RBCs) are destroyed. The
white pulp contains concentrations of lymphocytes. The lymph nodes, which are
connected by lymph channels and capillaries, are distributed throughout the
body. They remove foreign material from the lymph system before it enters the
bloodstream. The lymph nodes also serve as centers for immune cell
proliferation. The remaining lymphoid tissues contain immune cells that defend
the bodys mucosal surfaces against microorganisms.

FUNCTION OF IMMUNE SYSTEM

The basic function of the immune system is to remove foreign antigens such as viruses
and bacteria to maintain homeostasis. There are two general types of immunity, natural (innate)
and acquired (adaptive). Natural immunity or nonspecific immunity is present at birth. Acquired
or specific immunity develops after birth. Each type of immunity has a distinct role in defending
the body against harmful invaders, but the various components are usually interdependent.
INNATE IMMUNITY

Innate (nonspecific) immunity refers to non-specific defense mechanisms that come into
play immediately or within hours of an antigens appearance in the body. These mechanisms
include physical barriers such as skin, chemicals in the blood, and immune system cells that
attack foreign cells in the body. The innate immune response is activated by chemical properties
of the antigen.