Unlike most of the other body systems, the immune system is scattered throughout the body. The main defenses against invaders such as bacteria and viruses are white blood cells called lymphocytes which are stored in the body’s lymphatic system.
This is a network of thin tubes running throughout the body. It contains a watery liquid called lymph, which it drains from the tissue and returns in to the blood.
At intervals along the length of the lymph vessels are small lumps called lymph nodes. Lymphocytes are stored in these lymph nodes. Lymphocytes are released when the body is injured, or when invaders are detected, and the lymphocytes swarm to the damaged area to protect and repair it.
Newborn babies are fed on their mother’s milk which contains special antibodies, helping to boost the baby’s immune system.
See also : How do Antibiotics work?
