ImmunologyDefinition

The study of the immune system, the cell-mediated and humoral aspects of immunity and immune responses.

Immunology is a branch of the biology involved with the study of the immune system,components of the immune system, its biological process,the physiological functioning of the immune system, types, its disorder and lot more.

The immune system acts as a bodys defence system by protecting our body cells, tissues and organs from invading infection through various lines of defence. Overall,the immune system functions as a physical barrier and avoid the entry of pathogens including theharmful microorganisms and other disease-causing microbes.

Under certain conditions, when ourimmune system stops functioning, then this results in infectious diseases, such as allergies, fever, flu, and may also lead to a dreadful disease like cancer and etc.

Also Read: Immunity

Let us have a detailed look at Immunology to learn about the immune system, its different parts, functions and other significances of Immunology.

Immune System consists of different types of cells and molecules which protect our body against pathogens.Pathogens are defined as everything from parasites to fungi, bacteria, viruses, and haptens. Haptens are molecules that may cause an immune response when comes in contact with a protein. All these cells and molecules are distributed in all the tissues of the body as well as lymphoid organs which eliminate or prevent microbial infectious diseases to decrease the growth of tumours and starts the repairing process of damaged tissues.

The tissues and organs of the immune system act as security forces where cells act as the security guards while molecules act as the guns & bullets and use the communication system to protect you.

We, humans, havetwo typesof Immune System and are classified based on itsresistance power against theinfectious agents.

Immune System fights against microbes.

Innate Immune System is composed of cells and proteins that are present and always ready to fight against microbes in the infection area. InnateImmune System is present from the time of our birth.

Main elements of the innate immune system are

The Adaptive Immune System is required to fight against pathogens that can control innate immune defences. It is also referred to as the Acquired Immune System because it is acquired during the course of life.

All the components of the adaptive immune system are generally inactive however when activated; these components adjust to the presence of all the infectious agents by proliferating and developing a potent mechanism for eliminating the microbes.

Two Types of adaptive responses are humoral immunity moderated by antibodies which are developed by B lymphocytes and cell-mediated immunity, moderated by T Lymphocytes.

Normally, the diseaseoccurs because of fundamental defects in the immune system. In this situation, the immune system is challenged and evoke responses that damage cells and tissues rather than protecting. All the immunodeficiency diseases increase the risk of tumours and infections and are caused by malnutrition, gene mutations, and viruses HIV.

Also Refer:Antigens and Immunology

This is an experimental method used for studying the structure and functions of the immune system. There are differenttechniques, which includes:

Immunology is widely used in numerousdisciplines, including inmedicine, in the fields of organ transplantation, bacteriology, oncology, virology, parasitology, Rheumatic diseases, psychiatric disorders, and dermatology. TheImmunology of transplantation mainly deals with the process oftransplantationfrom a donor to the recipient.

This was a brief introduction toImmunology, for more information onImmunology, immune system, itstechniques, notes forImmunology class 12, visit us at Byjus Biology.

See the article here:
Immunology- An Overview of Immune System, its Types, Disorders