THE IMMUNE SYSTEM

Main function:
The immune system fights off infection.

INTERESTING FACTS

• Getting under 5 hours sleep can depress the immune system
• Dieting can decrease the effect of the immune system
• The number one way to boost the immune system is to reduce stress

Vaccinations
They prepare the immune system for future infections by "scaring" it.

Specific and non specific immune response

Non specific is a general defense against any antigen but specific response targets specific antigens

VOCAB

• Lymphatic system: A system that moves around white blood cells.
• Lymphocytes: specialized white blood cells that target anitgens.
• Antigen: anything that causes the body to make antibodies
• Antibodies: small molecules that swarm antigens to kill them.
• White blood cells: cells in the bloodstream that produce antibodies

VOCAB CONTINUED

• Immunity: the ability to resist a certain antigen.
• Inflammation: a defense mechanism the body uses to isolate an antigen to kill it
• T cells: a type of lymphocyte that matures in the thymus.
• B cells: A type of lymphocyte that matures in the bone marrow.