The immune system is the body's natural defense mechanism. It protects us from invaders that we can't see, like viruses and bacteria. The immune system uses two types of defense mechanisms depending on the threat to the body. Nonspecific defense mechanisms provide the first line of defense. These particular mechanisms are named appropriately because their responses are not specific to any particular pathogen.
In cases where microorganisms get through the primary deterrents, there is a back-up system called specific defense mechanisms. Specific defense mechanisms consist of two components: the humoral immune system and the cell mediated immune system. The humoral immune system protects against bacteria and viruses present in the fluids of the body. The cell mediated immune system protects against foreign organisms that have managed to infect body cells.
Do you know which type of immunity protects the body from its own cancerous cells? Test your knowledge of the immune system. To take the Immune System Quiz, simply click on the "Start The Game" link below and select the correct answer for each question. JavaScript must be enabled to view this quiz.
To learn more about the immune system before taking the quiz, visit the Immune System page.
