BIOL273 : Unit 6 Immune System.docx
14 Aug 2013
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Document Summary
Unit 6 immune system: function of the immune system (pg 802) Big multicellular organisms provide lots of environment for other, smaller organisms to proliferate in. Ability of the body to fight off these invaders is called immunity (immunis = exempt) Key features of the immune system: lymphoid tissues & immune cells, chemicals that coordinate & excrete functions. Three functions of the immune system: protecting the body. Other foreign proteins or substances (e. g. allergens: removes dead/damaged tissue and cells. Immune cells scavenge extracellular compartments: tries to recognize and remove abnormal cells. Cells that are unable to control growth detected by immune system. When the immune system does not perform normally you can get a variety of pathologies. Incorrect response autoimmunity (cells attack themselves: overactive responses allergies (response is greater than threat itself, lack of response immunodeficiency (acquired or inherited) Disease-causing agents (parasites, bacteria, viruses) that all require slightly different responses.
