The lymphatic and immune systems protect the body from foreign agents. The document defines three key terms: antigens are foreign pathogens; antibodies are proteins that identify and neutralize antigens; and vaccination involves injecting a weakened pathogen to allow the body to develop antibodies and acquired immunity against that pathogen. In summary, the lymphatic and immune systems defend the body through antigens, antibodies that respond to antigens, and vaccination which stimulates acquired immunity.
2. The lymphatic and immune system consist of
very special functions that assist with
protecting the body from foreign agents.
Here you will learn 3 medical terms that give
insight about protective functions within the
two body systems
3. The first term is antigen
An antigen is a pathogen or substance that the
body recognizes as foreign.
When the body recognizes a pathogen has
made a invasion the immune response is then
stimulated.
4. The second term is antibody
An antibody is protein the body sends out in
response to the antigens. The antibodies job is to
identify and neutralize the foreign invader.
In the event the body comes in contact with the
same invader again the immune system will
recognize it and the body will be immune. This is
referred to as humoral immunity.
5. The final term is vaccination
A vaccination is a method where a pathogen that
has been weakened is injected into a person.
This allows antibodies to familiarize themselves
and protect the body from that specific pathogen
in the future. This is called acquired immunity.
6. Review of terms
• Antigen - Foreign pathogen
• Antibody- Identifies and neutralizes pathogens
• Vaccination- Weakened pathogen injected in
to a host to acquire immunity
