The Immune System in Action

When the various parts of the immune system encounter a foreign invader they have identified as a threat, they leap instantly into action. The first line of defense, known as the innate system, includes our skin, tears, mucous membranes and the cilia in our respiratory tract that help protect our lungs. The innate immune system’s job is to immediately prevent dangerous disease-causing organisms, known as pathogens, from moving throughout our bodies. We cough, cry and develop runny noses as part of the innate immune response. The innate immune response is considered non-specific, meaning it will take on any invader that comes its way with the tools at its disposal.

The immune system’s second line of defense, the adaptive immune response, takes longer to rush to our aid, but its effects are also longer and are specific to the invader it has encountered. And, like an elephant, the adaptive immune system never forgets; once it has faced a foreign foe once, it stores the memory of their battle forever and is always ready to protect us in the same ways again. Our bodies develop swelling or inflammation, redness, pain and pus as part of the immune response.*