title: An overview of the immune system.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: School of Medicine, Swansea University, Swansea. S.E.Jordan@swansea.ac.uk
authors.forename: Mel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Storey
authors.forename: Sue
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Jordan
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007107:Immune System / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology*; D007223:Infant; D007249:Inflammation / Q000276:immunology; D011247:Pregnancy