Main components of the immune system
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Lymph nodes:
Lymph nodes produce and store cells that fight infection and disease (example: B, T cells). They contain lymph which is the clear fluid that carries those cells to different parts of the body. When the body is fighting infection, lymph nodes may become enlarged and tender. Lymph nodes act as filters or traps for foreign particles and are vital in the proper functioning of the immune system.
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Spleen:
Contains white blood cells that fight infection or disease. The spleen helps control the amount of blood in the body and disposes old and/or damaged blood cells.
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Bone Marrow:
Bone marrow is the spongy tissue in the center of bones which produces white blood cells. It is the blood cell ‘factory’. Healthy bone marrow releases blood cells into the bloodstream when they are mature and when required. B cells are produced in the bone marrow.
Bone marrow is the spongy tissue in the center of bones which produces white blood cells. It is the blood cell ‘factory’. Healthy bone marrow releases blood cells into the bloodstream when they are mature and when required. B cells are produced in the bone marrow.
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Lymphocytes:
Lymphocytes are small white blood cells that play a vital role in defending the body against disease. The two types of lymphocytes are B-cells, which make antibodies that fight against bacteria and toxins, and T-cells, which assist in destroying infected or cancerous cells.
Lymphocytes are small white blood cells that play a vital role in defending the body against disease. The two types of lymphocytes are B-cells, which make antibodies that fight against bacteria and toxins, and T-cells, which assist in destroying infected or cancerous cells.
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Thymus:
Thymus is a specialised organ of the immune system where T-cells critical to the adaptive immune system, mature.
Thymus is a specialised organ of the immune system where T-cells critical to the adaptive immune system, mature.
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Leukocytes:
Leukocytes are white blood cells that identify and destroy pathogens and are part of the second level; innate immune system. Leukocytes include the phagocytes (macrophages, neutrophils, and dendritic cells), mast cells, and natural killer cells.
Leukocytes are white blood cells that identify and destroy pathogens and are part of the second level; innate immune system. Leukocytes include the phagocytes (macrophages, neutrophils, and dendritic cells), mast cells, and natural killer cells.
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Antigens:
Any substance or structure when introduced into the body of an organism stimulates the production of an antibody.
Antibodies:
Antibodies are a type of protein that are used by the immune system in defence against pathogens. Antibodies work by identifying and neutralising foreign objects in the body such as viruses and bacteria.