Module Two: Psychoneuroimmunology

Module Two: Psychoneuroimmunology

The immune system is a complex system that fights to defend the body against "foreign" invaders, such as bacteria and viruses. When the body recognizes something as not-self within the body, it tries to eliminate it. This process initiated is called the immune response. Immunity is the ability of the body to fight against foreign invaders, antigen.

The antigens: Any substance that can trigger an immune response is called an antigen. Includes viruses, bacteria, fungi, tissue of a transplanted organ, allergens, etc.

Antibodies, also known as immunoglobulins, are protective proteins produced by the immune system in response to a foreign substance, antigen.

Parts of the immune system

One. White blood cells, WBC.

Two. Lymphatic system: Spleen, Bone marrow, and Thymus.

White blood cells also known as leukocytes are specialized blood cells mainly involved in immune response. White blood cells move through blood and tissue throughout your body, looking for foreign invaders, antigens, such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi. When they find them, they launch an immune attack.

White blood cells are of two types: lymphocytes and phagocytes.

One. Phagocytes are scavengers that patrol the body and engulf and ingest antigens. They are not choosy. Macrophages and neutrophils are types of phagocytes. Phagocytes are involved in nonspecific immunity—they respond to any kind of antigen.

Two. Lymphocytes attack specific antigens, are involved in producing antibodies, and provide cell-mediated and humoral immunity.