My Immune Response
Holly Fay
The Immune Response is the reaction of the cells and fluids of the body to the presence of a substance that is not recognized as a constituent of the body itself.
The Attack of the Pathogen
From ancient times the prescient enemy the Pathogen has made many journeys to where it is today. The word Patho- comes from the Greeks. It means to suffer and disease. The world now defines the word pathogens as a bacterium, virus, or other microorganism that can cause disease. Now it has made its way to conquer my mighty temple that is my body. This time it has come in the form of a Bacteria called streptococcus pyogenes, or strep throat.
First Line of Defense
First combat can be found on my skin, tears, mucus, cilia, stomach acid, urine, and my 'friendly' bacteria and white blood cells. In spite of these strong barriers the crafty devil bacteria can surpass these and on to challenge my second defense. No thanks to my horrible habit of gnawing on my finger nails.
Second Line of Defense
The resistance to the bacteria is strong and the battle rages on. The second line of defense's job is to destroys invaders in a generalized way without targeting specific individuals.
- non-specific (cannot differentiate between specific microorganisms)
- It is non-adaptive (produces the same response every time - in other words, it does .
Immune System Assemble!!!
In response to antigens, a toxin or other foreign substance that induces an immune response in the body, especially the production of antibodies. My Y shaped friends, antibodies are proteins that transport around the body in the blood streamcas part of the plasma protein.
Now this bacteria has infected my upper respiratory system in my pharynx. When the immune system identifies foreign matter or material in the body, different defense mechanisms, such as phagocytes, are activated to seek out and destroy or neutralize those foreign substances.
Now the battle is won and the bacteria is destroyed all thanks to the beautifully assembled immune system!!! Now I have a bit strong with every evil force mother nature throws my way!!!!