immune-system

June 5, 2003 by Linda Lazarides
Filed under Database

Immune system

The immune system protects the body from outside harmful influences by creating barriers and defence mechanisms. The skin and mucous membranes are the first of these barriers. The stomach contains powerful acid to kill bacteria and other micro-organisms that may be ingested with food. The friendly bacteria in the intestines serve to prevent overgrowth with more harmful species. The liver neutralizes toxins absorbed in food, air and drink, and the white blood cells and antibodies serve to detect, destroy and ingest harmful micro-organisms which penetrate into the bloodstream and tissues.