• Question: Max , what is the purpose of the immune system?

    Asked by Pepe to Max, Ben, Lizzie, Francis, Sian on 6 Mar 2018. This question was also asked by Sashascience7613.
    • Photo: Max Jamilly

      Max Jamilly answered on 6 Mar 2018:

      Hey Pepe. Cool question! The immune system helps defend the body against anything that could harm it. These can be ‘pathogens’ (=bad things) from outside the body, like viruses and bacteria, or damaged cells inside the body like cancer cells.

      An amazing variety of different cell types helps to find, kill and remove pathogens and remember them for next time.

    • Photo: Ben Mulhearn

      Ben Mulhearn answered on 8 Mar 2018:

      Great answer @Max! The immune system is also involved in “tidying up” – it’s great at getting rid of all the things which would otherwise accumulate in the body. It’s also involved in healing – wound healing etc.

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