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Review
. 2008;23(15-17):47-56; quiz 58, 60.
doi: 10.7748/ns2008.12.23.15.47.c6738.

An overview of the immune system

Mel Storey  1 , Sue Jordan
Affiliations
Review

An overview of the immune system

Mel Storey et al. Nurs Stand. 2008.

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.

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Comment in

  • Immune system.
    Latham L. Latham L. Nurs Stand. 2009 Jun 3-9;23(39):59; quiz 60. doi: 10.7748/ns2009.06.23.39.59.c7041. Nurs Stand. 2009. PMID: 19552281 No abstract available.

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