Our body’s defense system that attacks germs and keeps us fit is called the immune system. Many organs and cells of the immune system work together to attack the foreign invaders that try to enter our body. Learn more interesting facts about your immune system and how to stay healthy, below.
1. It remembers microbes it has defeated
The main function of the immune system is to protect our body cells against infections and diseases through its network of cells, proteins, and organs. It does this by keeping history in the memory cells of every defeated microbe. This means the immune system can recognise and kill the microbe immediately if it tries to enter the body again.
When your body is attacked by a virus, fragments of it, known as antigens, get deposited in the lymph nodes. Immune system cells known as T-cells focus on these specific cells after you have recovered, establishing immunity against pathogens and antigens you encounter regularly.
2. It’s made up of both innate and adaptive systems
Your innate immune system is your in-built defense armor against germs and foreign substances. Some examples include:
- Mucus (traps small particles and bacteria)
- Skin
- Cough reflex
- Stomach acid
- Enzymes (found in skin oils and tears)
If antigens and pathogens break past these barriers, the adaptive immune system takes over by specifically identifying and attacking these foreign cells. The adaptive immune system remembers the germs it has previously encountered and attacks them faster.
If you are concerned about dangerous infectious diseases, early detection can help prevent the spread of illnesses by identifying positive cases so they can isolate. Monkeypox testing in Bakersfield by Drip Hydration can help you avoid spreading this illness and get the necessary treatment faster.
3. The immune system is not a single organ or in a centralized location
It is a misconception that the immune system is a single organ like the heart or the brain. The immune system is not a single organ. Instead, it is a network of cells spread throughout various organs of the body. Some of these organs include the tonsils, spleen, adenoids, and bone marrow.
4. Fever means your immune system is fighting an illness
When bacteria or viruses enter your body, they thrive and do well at normal body temperature. So, your body develops a fever as a defense mechanism. When you get that fever, that means that the immune system is working. There are even some benefits of fever to fighting infection, though you should seek medical attention if your fever is dangerously high.
5. Immune function declines with age
Your immune system becomes less effective as your body matures. This impacts the body in different ways. A common feature of an aged immune system is the limited production of T and B cells in the thymus and bone marrow. Another notable feature is the diminished function of lymphocytes.
An elderly person’s immune system does not respond as robustly to antigens and pathogens as a younger person’s. The immune system of an elderly person may also respond poorly to vaccinations, a situation that is exacerbated by making them more vulnerable to influenza.
6. Women are more likely to develop autoimmune diseases
Women are more likely to have a number of autoimmune diseases ranging in type and severity. One study estimated that of all patients diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder, 80% are women. It is believed that fluctuating hormone changes may be the primary reason, which would explain why most women are diagnosed during their childbearing years.
The immune system is designed to keep the body healthy by defending it against foreign invaders. An impaired immune system may mistakenly attack healthy organs, tissues, and cells, causing the development of autoimmune disorders.
7. The imbalance in gut bacteria may lead to severe health issues
Changes in the gut bacteria that dwell in the lining of the gastrointestinal tract can cause autoimmune disorders through dysregulation. It appears this microbiota help regulate innate and adaptive immune homeostasis..
8. The immune system never stops working
It constantly works to protect the body from harmful foreign substances, viruses, and infections. A better understanding of immune function can lead you to take steps that can boost immunity and promote wellness. Some vital steps include a healthy diet, exercise, and staying up to date on preventative health measures, like vaccinations.
Do you know any interesting facts about the immune system? Share them in the comments below!
