Download A Trip Into The Immune System

A Trip Into The Immune System
Ayleen Valenzuela
The day Billy came back to school, he was excited and couldn’t
wait to tell his friends about how the immune system works in
our body.
Everyone gathered around Billy as he spoke about the “evil” antigen
that invaded their bodies.
“Their like aliens invading our bodies!” he remarked.
Billy’s best friend, Bubbles looked frightened and got scared.
“Aliens live in our bodies?!” She wondered.
“No, bubbles they’re antigens” He explained.
“Anyways, what they do is invade our body, and then our B & T
cells help recognize them by their shape. After they know that
they’re in our body, the B cells make antibodies and the T cells help
kill bacteria. They’re kind of like the superheroes living in our
body” He continued
“Tell us more!” Bubbles, and Blossom yelled.
“Well,” Billy continued. “It’s not just the B & T cells that help. There
are other organs in the immune system that help keep away the
invaders.”
“ The Spleen, thymus, phagocytes, the skin, and lymph nodes all
make up the immune System”
The spleen helps make and remove blood cells as part of the
circulatory system, and the Thymus helps make the T- superheroes,
the T- Cells” Billy remarked.
“The phagocytes and lymph nodes are also very important in
the Immune System for working with the antibodies to fight
infection and disease.” He continued.
“ Are they superheroes too?” Bubbles asked.
“Yup, they’re all kind of like the superheroes in the immune system.”
He responded.
“Our own skin is even another superhero to the group. It provides
protection from the foreign invaders, or the non specific defenses.”
Billy went on.
“Does anything happen to us while the aliens are fighting with the
antibodies?” Bubbles asked.
“Well, in response to them fighting, inflammation in the body is to
restore and maintain homeostasis” Billy replied.
“What’s your favorite Superhero in the immune system, Billy?
“My favorite is the mucus!”
“The what?”
“ The mucus in our body prevents particles and germs from entering
the body.” Billy clarified.
“Our boogers stop germs from getting in our body?!” She still
wondered.
“If that’s the way you want to put it..” Billy chuckled.
“Nose hairs also capture dust particles keeping them from
collecting in the lungs, so when we sneeze it’s kind of a way of
ridding itself of formed dust bits.”
“So there you have it guys! The immune system and how it works!”
Billy finished off.
“Billy, you’re so smart. I can’t wait to tell everyone else all about the
immune system, and the aliens in our bodies!” Bubbles said.
Vocabulary
 The immune system is made up of a network of cells, tissues, and organs that work
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together to protect the body from foreign invaders
A specific defense mechanism is just that- it is specific against a particular antigen. An
antibody is an example of a specific defense.
A non-specific defense mechanism works against any foreign "invader." Skin is
considered a non-specific defense. The lysozyme in tears will destroy any bacteria.
Phagocytes are cells that chew up invading organisms.
T Cells orchestrate the immune system's response to infected or malignant cells.
B Cells provide humeral immunity.
Circulatory System circulates blood and lymph through the body.
Lymph Nodes act as filters or traps for foreign particles and are important in the proper
functioning of the immune system.
Skin is the thin layer of tissue forming the natural outer covering of the body of a person
or animal.
About the Author
My name is Ayleen Valenzuela, and I’m a sophomore at New
Tech High. I am 15 years old, and moved to Sioux Falls when I
was 4. In my free time I like playing all sports, I play the piano,
and I like spending time with friends. When I grow up I’d like
to be a pharmacist.