Immune system

[Aaron researched the immune system, wrote this report, and created a model illustrating key players in the immune system. He did this very independently; it was completed entirely at school, and his teachers report that he hardly used their assistance. Here is the report verbatim.]

THE IMMUNE SYSTEM
by Aaron

The lymph nodes, the bone marrow and the white blood cells, combined with some other components: These magnificent body parts make up the immune system. The immune system is a very important system to the body. It protects your body from diseases such as colds, flu, and AIDS (Acquired ImmunoDeficiency Syndrome). Doctors who work on it are called immunologists. Some parts of this wonderful system are the monocytes, the macrophages, the erythrocytes, and the lymphocytes.

Here is some information about the lymphocytes. There are three main types of lymphocytes. They are the T cells, the B cells, and natural killer cells. Here is how the first two work: the nerves give the T cells and B cells a "heads up" and they get on the move. Once they get to the diseased cell or place, the B cells build an antibody to stop the virus from multiplying. Then, the T cells go in and fight off/eat the virus. There are not a lot of lymphocytes. There are only around 500-700 in the body. Another cool thing about them is that they can change their size without much cause. Also, they are mostly created by blood.

Monocytes are interesting too. The monocytes' main function is to help out other cells fighting the disease, kind of like an army doctor except 900 billion times smaller. Since I am sure that an army doctor is not 12-18 micrometers in length and formed by blood, I am sure there are some differences. The monocytes, even though tiny, are the largest white blood cells. In addition, if they are not needed, they can change to another type of cell.

Please do not stop reading yet because I still have to tell you about neutrophils. Neutrophils take up 45-75% of the white blood cell population. They are also the fastest cell, therefore they get to the infection first. So, around 55% of white blood cells get to the disease first. Also, they are formed by bone marrow. So those who eat bone marrow are sucking around 60% of an animal's immune system out.

One disease that affects this immune system is rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis is a disease that hurts people's bones or joints. The death rate from this disease is not very high, but it can be extremely painful. It is a disease that makes your joints and small amounts of tissue around it hurt. When someone has arthritis, their immune system is attacking the joints instead of helping.

Some ways to protect yourself from autoimmune diseases are: 1: Do not smoke 2: eat lots of fruit and vegetables 3: exercise 4: avoid stress 5: control your blood pressure 6: avoid alcohol and 7: get enough sleep. All of these should be things that come naturally, especially 6 and 7. I am not kidding about #4. Not getting stressed is the key to a lot of things.