The immune system functions to remove germs and aid the body in repairing itself. It has barriers like the skin and respiratory system to prevent germs from entering. The non-specific immune response uses chemical signals, phagocytes, inflammation, and fever to attack any foreign substances. The specific response uses T-cells to recognize and destroy infected cells and B-cells to produce antibodies. Diseases like immunodeficiency, allergies, autoimmune disorders, and AIDS can damage the immune system or cause it to attack the body itself. Vaccination, antibiotics, and passive immunity from mother to child help prevent and treat infections.

1. Immune System
6th Grade Science

2. I. Function
A. Remove germs
B. Aid in repair

3. II. Barriers
A. Skin
B. Respiratory System (nose, mucus, cilia…)
C. Digestive System (acid, membranes…)

4. III. Non-Specific
A. Chemical Signals
1. Attract immune cells to site
2. Make blood vessels leaky
B. Phagocyte
1. Eats anything not marked as you
C. Inflammation
1. Massive increase in blood flow
i. Warm and Swelling
D. Fever
1. Used to kill germs by cooking them

5. IV. Specific
A. T-Lymphocytes (T-Cells)
1. Recognize specific germs (antigens)
2. Destroy cells if infected
B. B-Lymphocytes (B-Cells)
1. Produce antibodies
i. Mark and clump germs together

7. V. Damage and Disease
A. Immunodeficiency
1. Lack of sleep
2. Poor nutrition
3. Lack of exercise
4. Aging
5. Organ transplanting

8. B. Allergies
1. Body attacks object as dangerous threat
i. Foods
ii. Oils
iii. Venom

9. C. Autoimmune Disease
1. Body attacks own cells (overactive)
i. LUPUS
ii. Arthritis
iii. Diabetes

10. D. AIDS
1. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
i. Kills T cells
ii. Die from lack of immune system
iii. Transmitted by body fluids

11. VI. Prevention
A. Active Immunity
1. Get sick (body stores up lymphocytes
2. Vaccination (inject with weakened pathogen)

12. B. Intervention
1. Antibiotics (Kill bacteria)

13. C. Passive Immunity
1. Mother to child