The immune system explained simply
We only notice it when it doesn't work as it should: our immune system. The immune system has to deal with a variety of bacteria and viruses every day and does everything to keep us from getting sick. But what exactly is the immune system and how does it work? In this article, you will learn the most important things about our body's immune defense.
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Table of contents
What is the immune system? - Immune system definition
The human immune system is the body's defense system, also called the biological defense system. It is vital for humans and animals. Did you know that not only humans and animals, but also plants and the smallest organisms have an immune system?
Our body's own defense protects us from pollutants, pathogens, and disease-causing cell changes. The system consists of various organs, types of cells, and proteins. When an intruder appears, it sounds the alarm and various processes are set in motion. Otherwise, it remains unnoticed.
What does "immune" actually mean?
The definition of immune is "protected from something, insensitive to something". In the medical field, the term "immunity" therefore means that our body is immune to a specific disease and we can no longer get infected.
Structure of the immune system - The immune system explained simply
The body's own immune system can be divided into a nonspecific and specific immune system. But what is the difference between specific and nonspecific immune defense? And which organ is responsible for the immune system?
The structure of the immune system is as complex as the human being itself. Our immune system consists of specialized proteins (called antibodies), immune cells, and immune organs. The different components of the immune system react to invaders such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, etc., and lead to an immune response by the body.
What types of immune cells are there?
The cellular part of our immune system includes specialized immune cells. These can be found either in the blood or in tissues:
Granulocytes: They are part of the white blood cells (leukocytes) and cellular immune defense.
Macrophages: These also belong to the white blood cells and are so-called phagocytes. Macrophages are part of the innate immune system.
Dendritic cells: Antigen-presenting cells are cells that take up pathogens and bring them to the nearest lymph node.
Natural killer cells (NK cells): A significant portion of lymphocytes (a subgroup of white blood cells) are part of the innate immune system.
T-lymphocytes: Also belong to the lymphocytes and are part of the cellular immune system.
B-lymphocytes: These develop from precursor cells in the bone marrow and perform their function at various locations in the body. They are part of the acquired immune system.
Important:
In addition to the distinction between innate and acquired immune systems, a distinction is also made between cellular and humoral defense. Cellular defense is the part of the immune system responsible for already infected cells. This process is also carried out by cells, while antibodies are involved in humoral immune defense.
Organs of the immune system
The immune system is not a single organ, but rather it is a kind of network to which many parts of our body belong. The network includes the skin, mucous membranes, eyes, respiratory tract, oral cavity, stomach, intestines, and urinary tract. Also included are the bone marrow, spleen, and our tonsils.
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The saying that a large part of the immune system is located in the gut is indeed correct. This is because the gut is the largest internal organ of the human body and the majority of all immune cells are located in the small and large intestine. These combat harmful pathogens that are ingested through food or transmitted via the so-called droplet infection.
Main components of the immune system in a table:
Components that are part of the immune response: | Protective barriers that are not part of the immune response: |
|---|---|
Cellular components such as immune cells | Skin, mucous membrane |
Humoral components such as antibodies & proteins | Eyes |
Psychological factors such as stress | Respiratory tract |
| Oral cavity |
| Stomach, Intestine |
| Urinary tract |
| Bone marrow |
| Spleen |
| Almonds |
| The thymus |
| Lymph nodes |
Some of these protective barriers are part of the lymphatic system. The primary lymphatic organs include the bone marrow and the thymus. Lymphocytes, which are a subgroup of white blood cells, are produced in them. The so-called secondary lymphatic organs are the lymph nodes, spleen, tonsils, and various tissues in the mucous membranes. There, the defense cells fight harmful invaders.
What is the difference between the non-specific and the specific immune system?
The distinction between specific and non-specific defense system is synonymous with the distinction between acquired and innate. We possess the non-specific defense system from birth. The innate immune system fights pathogens in general. For this, the body mainly uses immune cells such as phagocytes or killer cells. This part mainly deals with toxins and harmful pathogens that want to enter the body.
The specific, also acquired immune defense Immunity develops over time. Here, antibodies are specifically produced against certain pathogens that the immune system has already encountered. This part of the immune response is just as adaptable as bacteria and viruses.
How does the immune system work?
Functions of the immune system
The function of the immune system is very complex. Simplified, the immune system has the following tasks:
Fighting pathogens: A variety of bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites enter the body, which need to be neutralized and removed.
Detecting pollutants: Nowadays, there are more and more pollutants in our environment. It is important to identify and eliminate them.
Combat pathological tissue and cell changes.
Process of immune defense
The tasks of the immune system are diverse, and our body's defense system is always busy. And all of this happens without us usually even noticing. But how is the defense actually initiated? What is the process of the immune system?
Our immune defense can be triggered by numerous foreign substances. These foreign substances are called antigens. These include, for example, proteins on bacteria, fungi, and others. The immune response process begins when these antigens dock onto specific receptors (cells that respond to stimuli) of defense cells.
The defense cells lead to an immune response of the body. After the initial contact with a pathogen, information is usually stored about it, which can be recalled the next time. That's why our body can fight the same pathogen better over time.
Testing the immune system at the doctor's office
When we are stressed, the body's defense mechanisms are not fully intact and we can get sick more easily. You can have your body's immune system tested by a doctor to see how well it is functioning. Feel free to discuss this with your primary care physician.
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What can one do to have a healthy and strong immune system?
Today's lifestyle often negatively influences our health and thus our immune system. In order to have a strong immune system or to boost our immune system, our body needs sufficient sleep. This is the only way it can fully recover and operate. A healthy, balanced diet is also important for our immune system. Numerous micronutrients contribute to the normal function of the immune system: iron, folic acid, copper, selenium, zinc, as well as vitamins B12, B6, C, D, and A.
How can you strengthen children's immune system?
You can strengthen your children's immune system in various ways, but it must first develop before it can be built up and strengthened. It can also be beneficial to strengthen the immune system with a kind of treatment. Just like adults, children need one thing above all: a healthy diet with enough vitamins for the immune system, sufficient sleep, and plenty of exercise outdoors.
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