The immune systems is our bodies defence against disease causing pathogens.
Two types of defence mechanisms
Specific and non specific
specific defence mechanism includes
cell-mediated immunity (T-lymphocyte) and humoral immunity (B-lymphocytes).
non-specific
includes phagocytosis and physical barriers. Not specific to specific antigens, just a general response to destroy pathogens and stop them from entering.
antigen
protein structure on the outside of a pathogen that stimulates an immune response. normally on invading cells where they are recognised as foreign antigens. triggers antibody production.
Active immunity
When body directly comes into contact with a pathogen and the body produces antibodies and memory cells for it. Is long term but takes longer time to take affect as is very complex. Includes vaccines.
