Understanding the Immune System Components and Defense Lines

The immune system comprises various organs and cellular components working in harmony to protect the body. The spleen eliminates pathogens and damaged blood cells while producing lymphocytes. The thymus serves as a site for lymphocyte maturation, and lymph nodes filter harmful microorganisms from lymph.

Definition: Innate immunity refers to the body's natural, non-specific defense mechanisms present from birth.

Vocabulary: Macrophages are specialized white blood cells that engulf and digest cellular debris and pathogens.

Example: The immune system's first line of defense includes physical barriers like skin and mucous membranes, along with protective actions like coughing and sneezing.

Highlight: The immune system features three distinct lines of defense, progressing from non-specific innate responses to highly specific acquired immunity.

Quote: "Limfocyty B wytwarzają przeciwciała skierowane przeciwko obcym antygenom" (B lymphocytes produce antibodies directed against foreign antigens).

The document outlines four types of acquired immunity:

• Natural active (through pathogen exposure)
• Artificial active (through vaccination)
• Natural passive (from mother during pregnancy/breastfeeding)
• Artificial passive (through serum administration)