The Immune System

The skin is the bodys first line of defense; it plays a major role in preventing disease by protecting all the organs, blood vessels, and the lymph system. Without the skin, bacteria and viruses could easily enter the blood system. The skin also houses many lymph nodes. Lymph nodes are a part of the lymph system, a network of vessels that transport white blood cells, or phagocytes, throughout the body to combat disease.

Mucous membranes are cells that line all openings of the body. When dust particles enter the body, they get caught in the mucous membranes and are then digested.

Nose hair is the bodies natural air filtration system. Nose hairs capture dust particles keeping them from accumulating in the lungs. A sneeze is the bodys way of ridding itself of accumulated dust particles.

The lymph system is made up of T cells, B cells, antibodies, and platelets. When the skin is scratched, platelets travel to the wound. They then try to mend the wound, and stop the bleeding. The T cells are the cells that attack all diseases that enter the body. B cells are the cells that manufacture antibodies. Antibodies are proteins that isolate pathogens, foreign substances, so that T cells can attack and destroy it.

In today's world there are virtually millions upon millions of diseases. Most diseases are caused by viruses or bacteria. Viruses are considered non-living parasites which enter healthy cells, release their own DNA and cause the healthy cell to begin manufacturing other virus bodies. Since viruses are not alive (most of them have RNA), antibiotics cannot kill them; therefore, most viruses have no cure. When a virus enters the body, antibodies are sent to isolate the virus, then B cells arrive to infiltrate and finally kill the virus.

Bacteria on the other hand are a living parasite. It performs the same functions as a virus, but it is considered a living parasite. Since bacteria are living, antibiotics can be used to kill it. There are three types of bacteria, bacilli, cocci, and spirili. Bacilli bacteria are rod shaped and usually appear alone, only occasionally found in groups. Cocci are spherical bacteria that occur in chains of cells, singularly, or in clusters that resemble a bunch of grapes. Spirili are spiral shaped bacteria, they are curved, and resemble a comma. Bacteria are considered deadly because it can reproduce very quickly.

In todays medical world, most attention has been directed toward deadly viruses that the body cannot kill. The most deadly virus is known as AIDS, or acquired immune deficiency syndrome. The aids virus is one of the more peculiar viruses. It infiltrates the body and conquers the T cells. When the T cell has been infected, it begins to produce AIDS cells. These new AIDS cells then attack all of the remaining B cells until all of the B cells are dead. With no defense, the body becomes terminally infected and eventualy dies.

"Nearly everything that goes wrong with us, with the exception of trauma - i.e. broken bones etc., can be traced directly to an immune system failure"

Rob Robertson, M.D.