Immunity+Introduction

= Introduction to Immunity = Two intrinsic defense systems 1) Non-specific innate resistance = “Foot soldiers”   These are
 * Present at birth
 * Immediate protection against wide variety of pathogens and foreign substances

There are a number of innate defences
 * First line of defense = Intact skin and mucosae prevent entry of microorganisms
 * Second line of defense = antimicrobial proteins, phagocytes, fever & other cells
 * Inhibit spread of invaders throughout the body
 * Inflammation is its most important mechanism

2) Specific adaptive resistance = “High tech fighting force”   Antigens (invaders) = Foreign particles that have contacted &/or entered the body
 * Antibodies
 * B and T cells

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