Describe a complex system or context of your choice
What is the system you have chosen? Describe some of its qualities
The immune system is a defence mechanism inbuilt in all living organisms comprised of specific biological processes and structures. Its purpose is to protect against disease using the networks of cells, tissues and organs that work cohesively for protection. In order to function correctly, the immune system must be able to detect and distinguish an expansive variety of pathogens that derive from harmful viruses, bacteria, protozoans, parasites etc. The immune system can be divided into subsystems including the adaptive immune system and the innate immune system, as well as act as part of a whole of the organisms’ body,
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Simple systems are ordered, easy to predict and have a best practice application however the immune system has many unpredictable and erratic factors such as new strains of diseases, unusual cell activity and resistance to medication which could hinder the effectiveness of the immune system.
Chaotic systems have a novel practice where there is no cause and effect relationship that can be determined. In the immune system, there is a need to probe for the relationships between disease and cause which would immediately categorise it as a complex system.
Complicated systems apply good practice, but do not have self-evident cause and effect relationships. The immune system requires adaptive and emergent practices in order to aid in the recovery of organisms. Applying good practice to the immune system would create a ‘band-aid’ solution as it would not be a long-term, emergent practice as a solution.
Demonstrate your understanding of these terms in the system or context you have chosen to explore
An adaptive system takes on new conditions in response to its environment, which improves overall value for the system and its components. Organisms are inherently adaptive in nature which can be seen throughout each line of defense. In the first line of defense, the configuration of cilia changes to seal heat within the body if the environment and the organism is cold. The second and third lines of defense can see the
The innate immune system is effective to a certain degree. That said, if the environment is regulated then the body is less likely to get ill. Innate immunity is effective as once the patient matures his immune system will mature due to the B and T memory cells. The memory cells will help the body prepare for the virus once it has arrived. The memory cells will send specialised lymph nodes to the invading pathogen. The B and T memory cells are key to immunity of a virus.
Almost instantly I came upon the immune system. A flock of geese was huddled together above an evergreen grass at Lighthouse Park. “The Lighthouse Park offers an excellent spot for spreading out a blanket on the grass and taking in views of both Manhattan and Queens before heading back down the island.” Also, “an assortment of barbeques and benches, indicated that the area is a popular spot for hot summer evenings with friends and family.” Anyhow, there was a strange vibe that provoked me as I watched the geese. They seemed clotted up as if they were defending the island against infectious organisms and other invaders. They seemed weak–unable to follow the series of steps called the immune response. They seemed lost–unable to detect pathogens. They seemed malnourished – unable to protect the body by working in unison with cells, tissues, and other organs. However, each goose seemed hopeful and kept fighting. By plodding past the innocuous wind, my friends and I became the island’s diet. I reached in my medical bag and pulled out a loaf of bread. We called out and like a current, we, electrified and inspired the crowd. Then we encrypted the gaggle with Vitamin A, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, and Zinc. Soon enough, the geese were in action and were ready to take flight. Sadly, the omnipotent
Yes a system can be both complicated and complex, for example the internet Search Engines like
The Human Body is an oasis of life. Still, every waking moment of our lives, our bodies endure vicious attacks. Bacteria, viruses, fungi, microbes, toxins, and parasites - I like to think of them as invaders from the outside world. Each invader is equipped with its own specialized method of attack. On a microscopic level, our bodies fight a life-long war. As the battle rages, our immune system kicks in and protects us against the perils of illness. The immune system is not made up of one particular tissue or organ. Instead, an arsenal of defense cells; including lymphocytes, bone marrow, and leukocytes join forces to keep us healthy. Besides the occasional times we get caught in the crossfire with a common cold, a healthy immune system keeps
The body’s protection against viruses, bacteria and other types of invasions is our immune system (Tortora, 2014).
Immunotherapy is a form of medical treatment intended to stimulate or restore the ability of the immune system to fight infection and disease. This can be by inducing, enhancing, or suppressing an immune response. Immunotherapies designed to elicit or amplify an immune response are classified as activation immunotherapies, while those that reduce or suppress immune response are suppression immunotherapies. Active immunotherapy has been effective against agents that normally cause acute self-limiting infectious disease. However, a more effective immunotherapy for chronic infectious diseases or cancer requires the use of appropriate target antigens; the
This, according to the clonal selection theory, the immune system functions on the “ready-made” rather than the “made-to-measure” principle. The question of how an animal makes so many different antibodies there for become a problem of genetics rather than one of protein chemistry” (Bowden 1006). This means that genetics determine how well the immune system works and this the key to figuring out a way to boost the immune system to help fight of infections and diseases before they even begin to weaken and infect the whole body. If someone decided they wanted to be immune to a snake bite or HIV the only thing that would have to be done is find one person just one that is immune and clone that person gene and add it to the other person who also wants to be immune to a certain disease, physical or chemical problem. “Scientist have grown replacement organs for sheep, rats and rabbits using the animal's own cells and alb molds to help the tissue take shape a technique that could be used someday to make spare parts for
The immune system could be impacted by psychological issues, which are not taken into account by the spirituality model, in a revelation called psychoneuroimmunology. Another wonder which cannot give a reason for is the placebo effect, at which point the patient believes they are receiving treatment, but are really getting a remedy that does not have a strong effect on the person physically however they begin to improve, as a result of the psychological assumption of being cured.
The body has two immune systems: the innate immune system and the adaptive immune system.
In the biology Immunology field, immunity is defined as the balanced state of a living organism for instance, the human body having sufficient biological defenses to combat infection, illness, or other unwanted biological incursion, while having acceptable tolerance to avoid contamination and allergies (Sompayrac, 2012, p.5). The immune system is a group of cells, nerves, and molecules that defend the body from many pathogenic microorganisms and contaminants in the environment.
The immune system is comprised of two responses: the adaptive immune response and the innate immune response. The first line of defence against invading organisms is classified as the innate immune response and the second line of defence and protection against re- exposure to the same pathogen is known as the adaptive immune response.
Big Idea #2 is biological systems is a complex network of biologically entities. Organisms also have feedback mechanisms that maintain dynamic homeostasis by allowing them to respond to changes in their internal and external environments. Negative feedback loops maintain the best internal environments, and positive feedback mechanisms responses. Changes in a biological system’s environment, mostly the availability of resources influence responses and activities, and organisms use several means to obtain nutrients and get rid of wastes. Homeostatic mechanisms in phyla show both continuity due to common ancestry and change due to evolution and natural selectio. In plants and animals, defense mechanisms against disruptions of dynamic homeostasis have evolved. Additionally, the timing of developmental, physiological and behavioral events are regulated, increasing fitness of individuals and long term survival of populations. Living systems require energy to maintain order, grow and reproduce. Organisms use several different energy related strategies to survive. For instance different metabolic rates, physiological changes, and variations in reproductive and offspring raising strategies. Humans’ internal body temperature is a great example of homeostasis. When a human’s body temperature maintains a temperature of 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit, the body can control temperature by making or releasing heat. When bacteria or viruses that can make you ill get into your body, your lymphatic system kicks in to help maintain homeostasis. It works to fight the infection before it has the chance to make you sick, making sure that you will stay
The immune system consists of a defense system that guards the body against invasion from infections and other diseases. Normally, a healthy person's immune system has the capability to differentiate between its own cells and cells that represent threats to the health of the body. (Craft and Kanter, 2002). Autoimmune disease refers to a broad range of over 80 acute, long-lasting diseases that affect nearly every organ in the body. (Wrong Diagnosis.com, 2000).
All systems must have homeostasis to maintain stability and to survive. Homeostasis is so important because it can allow an animal to adapt to a changing environment. The body attempts to maintain a constant level of physical output to achieve homeostasis. However, it can only work within its limits, where extreme conditions can disable the negative feedback mechanism.
Our immune system is the second most complex system in our body. It is made up of organs, cells and proteins that work together to protect our bodies from harmful bacteria, viruses or other microorganisms that can cause diseases. Usually we don’t notice our immune system defending us against pathogens, but if the pathogen (harmful microorganism) is aggressive or if our body hasn’t ever come into contact with it, we can get sick. The jobs of our immune system are to recognise pathogens, as well as neutralise and remove them from our body. Our immune system also has to fight our own cells if they have changed due to an illness, for example, cancer. (1)