The immune system is a collection of billions of cells that travel through the bloodstream. They move in and out of tissues and organs, defending the body against foreign bodies (antigens), such as bacteria, viruses and cancerous cells.
B cells- produce antibodies which are released
into the fluid surrounding the body’s cells to
destroy the invading viruses and bacteria.
T cells (see picture opposite) - if the invader gets
inside a cell, these (T cells) lock on to the infected
cell, multiply and destroy it.
The main types of immune cells are white blood cells.
There are two types of white blood cells – lymphocytes
and phagocytes.
When we’re stressed, the immune system’s ability
to fight off antigens is reduced. That is why we are
more susceptible to infections.
The stress hormone corticosteroid can suppress
the effectiveness of the immune system (e.g. lowers the number of lymphocytes).
B cells- produce antibodies which are released
into the fluid surrounding the body’s cells to
destroy the invading viruses and bacteria.
T cells (see picture opposite) - if the invader gets
inside a cell, these (T cells) lock on to the infected
cell, multiply and destroy it.
The main types of immune cells are white blood cells.
There are two types of white blood cells – lymphocytes
and phagocytes.
When we’re stressed, the immune system’s ability
to fight off antigens is reduced. That is why we are
more susceptible to infections.
The stress hormone corticosteroid can suppress
the effectiveness of the immune system (e.g. lowers the number of lymphocytes).