ANSWERS: 1
  • The immune system is made up of multiple different organs throughout your body, such as the spleen, lymph nodes, thymus and bone marrow. According to Medline Plus, the immune system functions to protect your body from infectious diseases and cancer but sometimes acts inappropriately.

    Make Antibodies

    The immune system produces proteins called antibodies. Antibodies stick to germs and marks it so the immune system can recognize it and get rid of it.

    Kill Germs

    According to the National Association of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, the immune system functions to detect and kill viruses and bacteria that get inside cells, and bacteria and fungi that exist outside of cells.

    Prevent Cancer

    A very significant function of the immune system is to kill cancer cells before they grow and form tumors and/or spread throughout the body.

    Cause Allergies

    Allergies occur when the immune system acts inappropriately to harmless proteins that get into the body, like pollen or peanuts.

    Cause Autoimmunity

    Another way the immune system may function is to attack body tissues instead of germs, resulting in autoimmunity, such as type 1 diabetes or lupus.

    Cause Inflammation

    The overall function of the immune system, whether it is fighting germs, harmless proteins (allergy) or self tissues (autoimmunity), is to cause inflammation. Inflammation is good if it is self-contained and serves to kill germs and prevent their spread.

    Source:

    Medline Plus: Immune System and Disorders

    National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases: Immune System

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