Defining Terms of The Lymphatic & Immune System

Chapter 6

By: Dominique Michel

Immune System: What is Immunology?

Immunology is the study off all aspects of the immune system, such as the physiological functioning which includes health and disease (malfunctions).

These malfunctions include, but are not limited to hypersensitivities, transplant rejection, autoimmune disease and immunodeficiency disorder.

Immunocompromised

Immunocomropised is defined as having an immune system that is not able to properly defend the body from pathogens. When this occurs it is normally called immunodeficiency disorder.

An example of an immunodeficiency disorder is the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). This virus can cause Auto Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), which can also be referred to as a retrovirus.

A Deeper Look Into Auto Immune Diseases

When the immune system is compromised it may be due to diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, polymyositis, Graves’ disease, autoimmune hepatitis and lupus erythematosus which are all considered to be autoimmune diseases.

When a person has an autoimmune disease the body’s immune system mistakes its own cells as pathogens and attack them. This attack on the cells is sometimes restricted to certain organs. The organs that are commonly affected are the lungs and kidneys.

Cont.

These diseases are typically treated, but not cured by the use of immunosuppressant medication, which decreases the immune response (attacks).

The End!