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You are here : AllRefer.com > Health > Special Topic > Immune Response: The immune system

Immune Response

Provided by A.D.A.M.

Definition

The immune system

Innate immunity and inflammation

Acquired immunity

Passive immunity

Immune system disorders and allergies

Signs of inflammation

Tests

Therapies

Complications

Pictures & Images

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Alternate Names : Acquired (Adaptive) Immunity, Cellular Immunity, Humoral Immunity, Immunity, Inflammatory Response, Innate Immunity


Definition

The immune response is the way the body recognizes and defends itself against microorganisms, viruses, and substances recognized as foreign and potentially harmful to the body.

Pictures & Images

Immune System Structures
Immune System Structures

Phagocytosis
Phagocytosis

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The immune system

The immune system protects the body from potentially harmful substances by recognizing and responding to so-called antigens. Antigens are large molecules (usually proteins) on the surface of cells, viruses, fungi, or bacteria. Some non-living substances such as toxins, chemicals, drugs, and foreign particles (such as a splinter) can be antigens. Substances that contain these antigens are recognized and destroyed by the immune system . Even your own body cells have proteins that are antigens (these include a group of antigens called HLA antigens). Your immune system learns to see these antigens as "normal" and does not usually react against them.

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Definition
The immune system
Innate immunity and inflammation
Acquired immunity
Passive immunity
Immune system disorders and allergies
Signs of inflammation
Tests
Therapies
Complications
Pictures & Images

Topics that might be of interest to you

Diseases & Conditions

AIDS
Allergies
Anaphylaxis
Autoimmune Disorders
Graft-Versus-Host Disease
Immunodeficiency Disorders
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Serum Sickness
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Tetanus
Transfusion Reaction
Transplant Rejection

Tests & Exams

Blood Differential
CBC
Complement
Histocompatibility Antigens
Serum Serotonin Level

Other Topics

Agitation
Antibody
Antigen
Confusion
Cough
Fever
Heartburn
Malaise
Muscle Aches
Protein in Diet
Swelling
Toxins

Review Date : 10/30/2003
Reviewed By : Donald Accetta, MD, MPH. President, Allergy & Asthma Care, PC, Taunton, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

Main Page of Immune Response






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Page Last Updated: 18 May, 2008