What is Your Immune System?

The immune system is a topic that receives a great deal of attention among those who are interested in promoting a healthier lifestyle, but what exactly is the immune system and how does it work?

The Purpose of the Immune System

Your immune system serves one major purpose: to fight infection and other diseases. Your immune system is able to accomplish this task through the use of a complex network of cells, tissues and organs that work together fight off the germs that cause infections. When bacteria, viruses and other germs invade your body, they attack your body systems and multiply to make you feel sick. Your immune system fights these invaders to help you become healthy again.

The Parts of the Immune System

Your immune system consists of many parts of your body. The first layer of protection is your skin, which helps to prevent germs from getting into your body in the first place. Next, the mucous membranes lining some of your organs and body cavities work together to trap and fight germs, while your white blood cells further work to fight off germs, too. Finally, a number of organs and tissues within the lymph system help to produce, store and carry these white blood cells. These include the thymus, spleen, lymph nodes, tonsils, bone marrow and lymph vessels. 

Any time your immune system identifies a substance as being harmful or foreign, your immune system gets to work to defend it. These foreign items, called antigens, may be bacteria, viruses, chemicals or toxins. They may also be cells that have been damaged by disease, such as cancer, or through exposure, such as when you are sunburnt. When your body attacks these foreign objects, it is called an immune response. Therefore, to keep your body as healthy as possible, you want a strong immune system that is quick to respond to foreign invaders. To learn more about your immune system and how you can give it a boost, contact Prolean Wellness today!