The Immune System

[emchun]

Teacher said we are starting on about the immune system from this week onwards. Just wondered if anybody can tell me briefly on what its about, she also mentioned antibodies and stuff like that. It'll be great if someone can explain the concepts. Thank you~

[AbominableMowman]

• the role of the human immune system in detecting and responding to antigens:
– the nature of antigens and their sources: ‘self’ and ‘non-self’, and cellular pathogens and noncellular agents (viruses and prions)
– the nature of physical and chemical barriers in plants and animals (including humans) to invading
pathogens
– the structure and role of the lymphatic system in the innate and adaptive immune response
– the nature, characteristics and roles of components in the innate (non-specific) immune response
including the inflammatory response
– the nature, characteristics and components of the adaptive immune response including the role
and actions of B cells and their antibodies in humoral immunity and the role and actions of T
helper cells and T cytotoxic cells in cell-mediated immunity
– disorders of the human immune response including the allergic response and autoimmune
diseases
– acquired immunity through natural and passive strategies, including the nature and production
of vaccines and antibody serums and their importance in maintaining immunity for a particular
disease in the human population.

There are many topics within immunity, you should look at the study design and study the topics that relate to the dot points in your book.