Anaesthesia Fundamentals | Physiology | Immunity

Immunity
Session Overview
Description
This session describes the function of the cells of the immune system, and explains the different types of immunity. The roles of the various key components of the immune system are explained and the differences between innate immunity and adaptive immunity are highlighted. The concepts of immune deficiency, autoimmunity and immunological memory are also introduced.

Learning Objectives
By the end of this session you will be able to:

• Describe the structure and function of the white blood cells
• Differentiate between the innate and adaptive immune systems
• Describe the pathophysiology of autoimmunity
• Describe immune deficiency
• Differentiate between active and passive immunization

Immunology is the science that covers the study of the immune system. The immune system protects the body against infection and tumour cells, and has the ability to distinguish from the organism's normal cells and tissues.

The organs of the immune system are found throughout the body and are known as lymphoid organs. These organs are concerned with the growth, development and deployment of lymphocytes/white blood cells (WBC).

Malfunctions of the immune system include:

• Autoimmune diseases
• Immune deficiency
• Hypersensitivity