The Immune System.

To be immune means to be protected. So it makes sense that the body system that helps fight off sickness is called the immune system. The immune system is made up of a network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect the body. White blood cells, also called leukocytes, are part of this defense system. There are two basic types of these germ-fighting cells. One is phagocytes, which chew up invading germs. The other one is lymphocytes, which allow the body to remember and recognize previous invaders. Leukocytes are found in lots of places, including our spleen - a small organ near the stomach that controls the quality of blood cells and helps fight infections.

Leukocytes also can be found in bone marrow, which is a thick, spongy jelly inside our bones. Our lymphatic system is home to these germ-fighting cells also. Our lymphatic system is in form of swollen "glands" on the sides of our necks. Although we call them "glands," they are actually lymph nodes and they contain clusters of immune system cells. Normally, lymph nodes are small and round and you don't notice them. But when they're swollen, it means your immune system is at work. Lymph nodes work like filters to remove germs that could hurt you. Lymph nodes, and the tiny channels that connect them to each other, contain lymph, a clear fluid with leukocytes (white blood cells) in it. We have lymph nodes in several other places on our body: behind our knees, in our armpits, and in our groin - just to name a few.

Though we have this great system in place, it's not enough to keep us from getting sick. Well, everyone gets sick sometimes. But our immune system helps us get well again. Sometimes a person has a problem with his or her immune system. Allergies are one kind of problem. It's medical condition that causes one to react badly to a particular substance. The immune system overreacts and treats something harmless as something really dangerous to the body .

Other immune system problems may develop due to an illness like cancer or HIV/AIDS - an immunodeficiency condition. It's a medical condition in which the body does not have the normal ability to resist infection.

We can't prevent most immune system disorders, but if they happen, they can be treated with medicine and we will feel good and be healthy again. Immunologists are doctors who specialize in immune system problems. So if anyone has an immune system problem, the doctors can help and such a person will stay strong and be able to fight off illness.

We can help our immune systems with hygienic practices, eating nutritious foods, getting plenty of exercise, and getting regular medical checkups. - You may like to read: Note on Our Health.
It's our immune system that makes us feel great everyday.

For more about me, read my first post Who Am I? or the About Me page.