Skip to main content

Immunity and its types

Immunity refers to the body's ability to defend itself against harmful substances, pathogens, and foreign invaders, thereby protecting the body from various diseases. It is a complex system involving various organs, cells, and molecules working together to recognize and eliminate potentially harmful agents. There are two main types of immunity in the human body:

1. Innate Immunity:
   Innate immunity is the first line of defense against pathogens and foreign substances. It is a non-specific form of immunity that provides immediate protection. Innate immunity is present from birth and does not require previous exposure to a specific pathogen to be activated. Some key components of innate immunity include:

    Physical Barriers: Skin, mucous membranes, and other physical barriers prevent pathogens from entering the body.
   Chemical Defenses: Enzymes and chemicals in body secretions (e.g., tears, saliva, stomach acid) can kill or inhibit the growth of pathogens.
    Inflammatory Response:
 When tissue is damaged or infected, the body initiates inflammation, which helps to contain and eliminate pathogens.
   Phagocytes: White blood cells called phagocytes can engulf and destroy pathogens.
   Natural Killer (NK) Cells: Specialized cells that can recognize and destroy infected or cancerous cells.

2. Adaptive Immunity (Acquired Immunity):
   Adaptive immunity is a specific and long-lasting form of immunity that develops after exposure to a particular pathogen or antigen. It takes some time to develop but provides targeted and robust protection against specific invaders. Adaptive immunity is characterized by the presence of memory cells that "remember" previous encounters with pathogens, allowing for a faster and stronger response upon re-exposure. There are two main components of adaptive immunity:

   Cell-Mediated Immunity: This involves T-lymphocytes (T-cells) that directly attack infected or abnormal cells. T-cells are responsible for recognizing and destroying infected cells and play a crucial role in controlling intracellular infections, such as viruses.

   Humoral Immunity:
 This involves B-lymphocytes (B-cells) that produce antibodies, also known as immunoglobulins. Antibodies are proteins that can bind to specific antigens on pathogens, marking them for destruction by other immune cells. Humoral immunity is essential for fighting extracellular infections, such as bacteria and viruses outside of cells.

Together, innate and adaptive immunity provide a comprehensive defense system against a wide range of pathogens and foreign substances. The immune system is a dynamic network that continually adapts to new challenges and helps maintain the overall health and well-being of an individual. Vaccinations, for example, work by stimulating the adaptive immune response to create memory cells, providing long-term protection against specific diseases without causing the illness itself.
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Directive Principles of State Policy Constitution of India

The Constitution of India includes Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) in Part IV (Articles 36-51). Unlike Fundamental Rights, which are justiciable and enforceable in courts, DPSPs are non-justiciable principles and guidelines for the government to formulate policies and make laws. They aim to establish social, economic, and political justice in the country and promote the welfare of the people. Although not enforceable by courts, they serve as a moral and political compass for the government. Here are some key provisions of the DPSP in the Constitution of India: 1. Promotion of Welfare: The state shall strive to promote the welfare of the people by securing and protecting, as effectively as it may, a social order in which justice, social, economic, and political, shall inform all institutions of national life (Article 38). 2. Social Justice: The state shall endeavor to promote the welfare of the people by securing and protecting a social order in which social, economic, and p...
Post a Comment
Read more

Communism, Socialism And Capitalism

Communism, socialism, and capitalism are three distinct economic and political ideologies that have influenced societies around the world. Here is an overview of each system: 1. Communism: Communism is an ideology that advocates for the abolition of private ownership of the means of production and the establishment of a classless society. In a communist system, all property and resources are collectively owned and controlled by the community or the state. The goal is to achieve equality and eliminate social classes. Communist theory is often associated with the works of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, who envisioned a society where wealth is distributed according to one's needs. Historically, countries such as the Soviet Union, China, and Cuba have implemented communist systems, although the practical application has varied. 2. Socialism: Socialism is an ideology that aims to address social and economic inequality through the collective ownership and democratic control of the means...
1 comment
Read more

World Happiness Report

The Happiness Index, also known as the World Happiness Report, measures subjective well-being and happiness levels in countries around the world. It is an annual report published by the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) in collaboration with other organizations, including the Gallup World Poll. The Happiness Index uses various factors to assess happiness levels, including economic indicators, social support networks, life expectancy, freedom to make life choices, generosity, and perceptions of corruption. The data is gathered through surveys conducted in different countries, where individuals self-report their level of happiness and satisfaction with life. The index ranks countries based on their happiness scores, with higher scores indicating greater levels of happiness and well-being. The report provides insights into the factors that contribute to happiness and offers policy recommendations for governments and policymakers to promote happiness and well-...
Post a Comment
Read more