How does your immune system work?

Immune System

The system in the body that protects against foreign objects, such as micro-organisms, through various cells with different roles.

Lymphocytes

Specific immune cells that recognize foreign organisms; includes B-lymphocytes that produce antibodies and T-lymphocytes that have different functions.

Antibodies

Proteins produced by B-lymphocytes that lock onto specific foreign organisms called antigens, signaling other immune cells to attack the organism.

CD4 Cells

Also known as T-helper cells, they play a coordinating role in the immune system by helping B-lymphocytes identify foreign organisms and activating other immune cells.

CD8 Cells

Also known as cytotoxic T-cells, they attach to abnormal body cells, like virus-infected cells, and kill them.

Natural Killer Cells

Cells that attack tumor cells and virus-infected cells, having a broader range of targets compared to lymphocytes.

Phagocytes

Cells that attack and destroy foreign cells by engulfing them, including macrophages and neutrophils.

Vaccination

The process of introducing weakened antigens into the body to stimulate the immune system's memory and response to a specific disease.

Antibiotic Resistance

The ability of bacteria to resist the effects of antibiotics, leading to the development of superbugs and the importance of responsible antibiotic use.

Pathogens

Microorganisms causing infectious diseases, including bacteria and viruses, against which the immune system responds by producing antibodies.

Dengue

A serious illness prevalent in some Asian and Latin American countries, with no specific treatment, but early detection and proper medical care can reduce fatality rates.

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

Infections spread through sexual contact, caused by pathogens entering the body through reproductive organs or body fluids, with some curable by medicine while others are lifelong viral infections.

Chlamydia and Gonorrhea

Common bacterial STIs causing symptoms like burning during urination and genital discharge, often asymptomatic, leading to potential reproductive organ infections and infertility in women.

Syphilis

A serious bacterial STI starting with genital sores, progressing to rash and flu-like symptoms if untreated, potentially causing severe damage to organs and even death.

Genital Warts and Herpes

Viral STIs like HPV causing genital warts and herpes leading to recurring blisters, with HPV being preventable through vaccination and herpes managed with drugs but no cure.

Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs)

Leading global cause of death, including coronary heart disease and stroke, preventable by addressing risk factors like tobacco use, unhealthy diet, obesity, and high blood pressure.

Heart Attack

Caused by fatty deposits leading to blockage in coronary arteries, resulting in inadequate oxygen supply to heart muscles, with genetic and lifestyle factors contributing to the risk.

Hypertension

High blood pressure condition that can lead to serious cardiovascular issues if untreated, often asymptomatic but manageable through lifestyle changes and medication.

Atherosclerosis

Condition where fatty materials accumulate in arteries, obstructing blood flow and increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes, influenced by factors like smoking, diet, and lack of exercise.

Cancer

A group of diseases characterized by abnormal cell growth, with various causes including genetic factors, external agents, and aging, leading to metastasis and requiring treatments like surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy.

Diabetes

Chronic disease affecting insulin production or usage, leading to raised blood sugar levels and damage to multiple body systems, with types including Type 1, Type 2, and gestational diabetes, manageable through lifestyle changes and medication.

Mental Illnesses

Result from complex interactions between genes and environment, with common disorders like depression and anxiety affecting millions globally, influenced by factors like poverty, life events, and substance use.

Healthy Habits

Factors like diet, smoking, physical activity, alcohol consumption, and BMI significantly impact life expectancy, with promoting a healthy lifestyle reducing the risk of chronic diseases and extending disease-free life expectancy.

Physical exercise

The heart requires exercise to stay fit and efficiently pump blood, benefiting both physical and mental health.

Alcohol effects

Excessive alcohol consumption can harm the heart muscle, raise blood pressure, and lead to weight gain, increasing the risk of heart attacks. It disrupts neurotransmitter balance, causing short-term effects like impaired judgment and long-term damage to the liver.

Michael Pollan's rule

"Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants." - Encourages consuming unprocessed food, adding protein to every meal, switching to whole grains, and increasing plant-based foods for a healthy diet.