The immune system of the human body in defence against disease
If Microorganism that causes disease. manage to pass the non-specific first line of defence then they will cause an infection. However, the body has a second line of defence to stop or minimise this infection. This is called the The body's defence system against entry of any foreign body, including pathogens and agents such as pollen grains. The role of the immune system is to prevent disease.. As a part of this there are two types of white blood cell called Cells, such as white blood cells, that engulf and absorb waste material, harmful microorganisms, or other foreign bodies in the bloodstream and tissues. and White blood cells which attack pathogens by producing antibodies..
Phagocytes
Phagocytes are white blood cells that are attracted to pathogens and attach to them. Once they have attached to the pathogen, the phagocyte's cell membrane surrounds the pathogen and engulfs it. This means the pathogen is taken inside of the phagocyte.
Enzymes found inside the phagocyte break down the pathogen and destroy it. Phagocytes do this to all pathogens that they encounter, so they are called 'non-specific'.
Lymphocytes
Lymphocytes are another type of white blood cell. They recognise proteins on the surface of pathogens called A protein on the surface of a substance (often a pathogen) that triggers an immune response.. Lymphocytes detect that these pathogen antigens are foreign and not naturally occurring within the body, leading the lymphocyte to produce A protein produced by the immune system in humans (and other animals) that attacks foreign organisms (antigens) that get into the body.. This process can take a few days, during which time a person may feel ill. The antibodies are released into the blood and bind to pathogens. This causes the pathogens to stick together, restricting their movement around the body and making it easier for phagocytes to engulf and then destroy them.
Some pathogens produce A type of natural poison produced by an organism, often as a form of protection. which make you feel ill. Lymphocytes can also produce An antibody produced by white blood cells. It can neutralise toxins. to neutralise these toxins. This means that the toxins cannot bind to body cells and cause damage. Both the antibodies and antitoxins are highly specific to the antigen or toxin that is made by the pathogen, therefore the lymphocytes that produce them are called 'specific'.
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