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The Main Functions Of The Immune System

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Defending the host against pathogens and toxins is the major function of the immune system, a task essential to any organism. Composed primarily of individual cells rather than forming into organs, the cells of the immune system spread throughout the body.
The immune system is able to distinguish its own molecules from foreign molecules. There a number of key stages involved an immune response; pathogen, recognition, activation and initiation, regulation, and the generation of immunological memory. The immune system of the vertebrate is divided into two basic branches; innate and adoptive immunity. Even though they have different roles they normally act together in fighting an infection.
The nonspecific immune system is also known as the innate immune system. It is the first line of immunological defense against infection. Referred to as a ‘natural immunity’ and providing a broad range of protection by the molecules and receptors of the immune system. A diverse set of molecules are generated that are able to recognize practically any invading pathogens. If there is a second attack the response is rapid, hence the reason for vaccines.
The innate system is largely composed of eosinophils, monocytes, macrophages, natural killer cells, tor-like receptors (TLRs), along with a chain of soluble intermediaries such as a complement system.
The adaptive or specific immune system mainly attacks the specific invaders. It consists of highly specialized cells called thymus-derived T

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