An overview of the immune system

The immune system comprises: physical and chemical barriers; the non-specific immune mechanisms, which bring about inflammation; and the specific immune system, which recognises and memorises foreign antigens [see glossary on page 55]. The immune system depends on white blood cells that play a key r...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inNursing standard Vol. 23; no. 15-17; pp. 47 - 56
Main Authors Storey, Mel, Jordan, Sue
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published England Royal College of Nursing Publishing Company (RCN) 17.12.2008
RCNi
Subjects
Female
Humans
Immune system
Immune System - cytology
Immune System - physiology
Infant
Inflammation - immunology
Nursing
Pregnancy
United Kingdom
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Summary:The immune system comprises: physical and chemical barriers; the non-specific immune mechanisms, which bring about inflammation; and the specific immune system, which recognises and memorises foreign antigens [see glossary on page 55]. The immune system depends on white blood cells that play a key role in protecting the body from invasion by pathogenic microorganisms, infection and disease, particularly cancers. Disorders or disturbances of the immune system can leave the patient vulnerable to infection.
Bibliography:ObjectType-Article-2
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ISSN:0029-6570
2047-9018
DOI:10.7748/ns2008.12.23.15.47.c6738