Introduction
The immune system can be described as a host defense system that plays a key role in protecting all other systems in the body from diseases. The system aids in the detection of a wide array of pathogens while distinguishing them from healthy body tissues (Allen et al., 2019). These pathogens may include viruses, bacteria, and parasitic worms. The main intention of the identification of these pathogens is to establish an effective mechanism through which the body would protect itself from exposure to diseases. In the majority of species, the immune system is divided into two principal subsystems, which are the innate and adaptive immune systems. Each of the subsystems has a cell-mediated immunity that allows them to perform their respective functions in seeking to protect the body from diseases (Liang, Liu, Chen, Ji, & Li, 2016). The proper functioning of the immune system is important, as it defines the functioning of all systems throughout the body.
Importance of the Immune System to all Other Systems in the Body
When evaluating the importance of the immune system in relation to other systems in the body, one of the key aspects to note is that the body system creates an optimal environment for pathogens. That acts as an indication of the fact that lack of an effective immune system may result in a situation where persons find themselves exposed to microbes that are likely to grow and cause illnesses. The immune system works as a buffer between the body systems and the pathogens establishing a line of defense for the body to protect itself from possible exposure to diseases (Allen et al., 2019). If the immune system identifies possible pathogens that are likely to cause disorders or illnesses, it creates a buffer that ensures that such pathogens do not find their way into the body.
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The immune system is designed in a manner allowing it to evaluate millions of tissues in the body to determine whether they are likely to cause a disease or illness. Similarly, the system is well equipped with sensory structures able to recognize millions of antigens and pathogens that may affect the proper functionality of the body. Adequate functioning of the immune system means that all other body systems will function in a manner that is defined as being effective (Liang, Liu, Chen, Ji, & Li, 2016). That can be attributed to the immune system’s defense mechanism, which serves as a guarantee of efficiency in dealing with possible issues that may affect different body systems. The basic idea is that the immune system ought to be viewed based on its importance in breaking down pathogens and antigens before they can reproduce in the body.
In cases where one or more pathogens or antigens find their way into the body, the immune system plays an essential role in producing white blood cells and a wide variety of chemicals and proteins. The sole intention of the white blood cells and chemicals produced is to attack and destroy the pathogens or antigens that are likely to alter how other body systems function (Liang, Liu, Chen, Ji, & Li, 2016). From this perspective, it can be argued that the immune system is of great importance in protecting the functionality of each body system individually by eliminating possible foreign substances likely to affect overall functionality. In most cases, this involves a process in which the immune system engages in close monitoring of each body system to identify instances where any one of the systems has been affected. That highlights the importance of having a robust immune system with the capability of destroying foreign substances within the body system.
The importance of the immune system to other body systems can also be seen in cases where a specific body system fails. In the event of failure of any other body system, the role of the immune system is to engage in an in-depth evaluation of causation factors that caused the failure. In case the failure occurs as a result of a foreign substance, the immune system then revs up its defenses intending to tackle the foreign substance to restore proper functioning of the body system in question. The immune system takes advantage of an intricate network of cells and tissues throughout the body to deal with any foreign substance affect other body systems (Allen et al., 2019). In most cases, the immune system can deal with such elements effectively, which improves overall capacity for the body to function normally.
Possible Problems of the Immune System and Interference to with Human Life
It is equally important to evaluate some of the possible problems that are likely to affect the immune system, which may have a significant impact on human life. One of the potential issues that the immune system may encounter is severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID). SCID is a disorder caused by immune deficiency, which often presents at birth. In cases where a child has been diagnosed with SCID, he or she faces a higher risk of exposure to bacteria, viruses, and fungi, which are likely to cause serious infections (Dobrovolskaia, Shurin, & Shvedova, 2016). Children diagnosed with SCID are expected to live within a sterile environment that is free from pathogens and antigens, considering that their body is not able to protect itself.
SCID interferes with human life, as children or adults with the condition cannot live a normal life considering that they are always expected to live in a sterile environment that is free from pathogens or antigens (Dobrovolskaia, Shurin, & Shvedova, 2016). Consequently, this limits their socialization or interactions with others due to their high risk of exposure. Another possible problem that may affect the immune system is acquired immune deficiencies, which may result from exposure to specific diseases or excessive use of particular medicines. An example of a disease that is likely to cause immune deficiency is Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), which is a disease that attacks the body’s immune system. The resulting outcome is that the body is unable to protect itself from possible pathogens or antigens that may expose the body to possible diseases or illnesses. In some of the other cases, medications may result in temporary acquired immune deficiencies, which may result in weakening of the immune system.
Conclusion
The immune system is one of the most critical systems in the body, as it helps in protecting other body systems from possible exposure to pathogens and antigens that are likely to cause diseases or illnesses. Proper functioning of the immune system is seen as being rather important in boosting overall abilities for the body to deal with foreign substances that may cause overall harm. The primary purpose of the immune system is to serve as the first line of defense, protecting the body in whichever way. Some of the possible problems that the immune system is likely to attack include severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) and acquired immune deficiencies.
References
Allen, T. M., Brehm, M. A., Bridges, S., Ferguson, S., Kumar, P., Mirochnitchenko, O. ... & Su, L. (2019). Humanized immune system mouse models: progress, challenges and opportunities. Nature immunology , 20 (7), 770-774.
Dobrovolskaia, M. A., Shurin, M., & Shvedova, A. A. (2016). Current understanding of interactions between nanoparticles and the immune system. Toxicology and applied pharmacology , 299 , 78-89.
Liang, X., Liu, R., Chen, C., Ji, F., & Li, T. (2016). Opioid system modulates the immune function: a review. Translational perioperative and pain medicine , 1 (1), 5.
