Profe Claudio Nieto: Instead of the immune system

Profe Claudio Nieto shares information about the immune system with you.

The human body is exposed to certain agents that can cause mild or acute illnesses.

The way the body copes is by creating defenses to eliminate intruders.

Where exactly does our immune system reside? Who are the brave soldiers defending us against viruses? What is the true mission of our multiple immune systems?

Today, we delve into the fascinating world of the immune system, where more than 300 types of immune cells work tirelessly within us.

But don’t worry, here’s a practical summary to help you understand it easily. Imagine our immune system as a highly organized army.

It has different military divisions, each with its own types of specialized soldiers armed with specific functions, but all united by a single purpose: defending our territory against any invader.

The troops

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These soldiers are directed and coordinated by various command centers. The first of these is the bone marrow, located in the cavities of our bones, where most of the immune cells are produced.

Then there’s the thymus, located behind the sternum, where T lymphocytes mature. Additionally, the spleen and lymph nodes act as gigantic filtration and antibody production centers.

But who are these soldiers of our immune system really? In general terms, they are known as white blood cells or leukocytes.

Within this category, there are five main types: neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils.

Lymphocytes

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However, it’s the lymphocytes that spark the most interest among immunologists, as they seem to be the most relevant.

Lymphocytes are divided into three main groups: T lymphocytes, B lymphocytes, and natural killer cells. Each of these groups plays a crucial role in defending our body against external invaders.

Our immune system operates in two phases: a rapid and innate response, and a slower and adaptive response.

The innate response is like a hair-trigger alarm, designed to quickly repel any invader.

Adaptive response

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On the other hand, the adaptive response is more sophisticated and specific, designing specialized cells to attack known invaders and remembering the information for future encounters.

It’s important to understand the function of our immune alarm, as an acute inflammatory response, though often painful, is crucial for recruiting immune cells to the site of the problem and neutralizing invaders.

Additionally, these inflammatory responses are controlled by cytokines, which regulate the intensity of the immune response.

Finally, adaptive immunity is like the brain behind the operation. It’s highly selective and specific, creating an immune memory that protects us for life against known invaders. Profe Claudio Nieto says goodbye for now and hopes this information has been to your liking. Until next time!