Immunity is the ability of the body to defend itself against disease-causing organisms. Every day our body comes in contact with several pathogens, but only a few result in diseases. The reason is, that our body can release antibodies against these pathogens and protect the body against diseases. This defense mechanism is called immunity.
It seems you might be asking about the two main types of immunity systems in the human body. These are:
Innate Immune System: This is the body’s first line of defense against pathogens and other foreign substances. It provides immediate, non-specific protection and includes physical barriers such as the skin and mucous membranes, as well as cellular components like phagocytes (neutrophils, macrophages) and natural killer (NK) cells. The innate immune system responds rapidly to a wide range of pathogens without requiring prior exposure.
Adaptive Immune System: Also known as acquired or specific immunity, this system develops throughout life in response to exposure to specific pathogens or vaccination. It is highly specialized and tailored to target particular pathogens. The adaptive immune system involves lymphocytes, such as T cells and B cells, as well as antibodies. It exhibits immunological memory, meaning that upon re-exposure to a previously encountered pathogen, the immune system mounts a stronger and faster response.
These two immune systems work together to provide comprehensive defense against infections and maintain the body’s overall health and well-being.
The main function of the immune system is to protect the body against harmful substances such as pathogens (e.g., bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites), toxins, and abnormal cells (e.g., cancer cells). It achieves this by recognizing and eliminating these threats while distinguishing them from the body’s own healthy cells.
Key functions of the immune system include:
Defense Against Pathogens: The immune system detects and responds to invading pathogens, preventing them from causing infections or diseases. This defense involves mechanisms such as phagocytosis (engulfing and destroying pathogens), production of antibodies to neutralize pathogens, and activation of immune cells to target and eliminate infected cells.
Surveillance for Abnormal Cells: The immune system constantly monitors the body for abnormal or damaged cells, including cancer cells. It can recognize and eliminate these cells through mechanisms such as immune surveillance, which involves specialized immune cells detecting and destroying abnormal cells before they can proliferate and cause harm.
Maintenance of Homeostasis: The immune system plays a role in maintaining the body’s internal balance, or homeostasis, by regulating inflammation, tissue repair, and the removal of cellular debris. It also contributes to processes such as wound healing and tissue regeneration.
Immunological Memory: Upon encountering a specific pathogen, the immune system develops immunological memory, which allows it to mount a faster and more effective response upon re-exposure to the same pathogen. This memory response is the basis for long-term protection provided by vaccines and previous infections.
Tolerance: The immune system must also maintain tolerance to the body’s cells and harmless substances to prevent autoimmune diseases, where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues. Regulatory mechanisms within the immune system help prevent such harmful responses.
A. The two main types of Immunity Systems are the Innate Immune System and the Adaptive Immune System.
A. The main function of the Immunity system is to protect the body against harmful substances such as pathogens, toxins, and abnormal cells.
A. The Innate Immune System provides immediate, non-specific protection against pathogens and foreign substances through physical barriers like the skin, cellular components like phagocytes, and natural killer cells.
A. The Adaptive Immune System develops throughout life in response to specific pathogens or vaccination, targeting particular pathogens with specialized lymphocytes such as T cells and B cells, and exhibiting immunological memory for faster and stronger responses upon re-exposure.
A. The Immune System contributes to maintaining homeostasis by regulating inflammation, tissue repair, removal of cellular debris, and participating in processes like wound healing and tissue regeneration while preventing harmful autoimmune responses through tolerance mechanisms.
