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Disease Defense: The Immune System

Related Article: Learn more about the immune system.

The immune system contains white blood cells, which help destroy pathogens. Lymphocytes manufacture antibodies that help destroy pathogens.

browse videos in immune system

Disease Defense: The Immune System (3:57)

The immune system contains white blood cells, which help destroy pathogens. Lymphocytes manufacture antibodies that help destroy pathogens.

Disease Defense: Barrier Against Pathogens (1:08)

Our skin helps protect us from diseases by acting as a barrier.

Disease Defense: Immunity and Vaccination (3:06)

Vaccines may protect us from pathogens by causing the body to produce antibodies. Prior to 1955, before a vaccine was developed, many people died from polio.

Disease Defense: Antibiotics (1:33)

Antibiotics are used to treat diseases caused by bacteria. Some bacteria develop resistance to antibiotics.

Disease Defense: Autoimmune Diseases (0:37)

Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakes certain cells in the body for pathogens and attacks them.

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Assignment Discovery: An Inside Look at the Flu (24:39)

This program takes you inside the body of Holly Jones, a 25-year-old motorcycle courier who becomes a victim of the cellular war between her immune system and the influenza virus. Watch what happens when her immune system and the viral invaders... More »

Investigating Human Biology: How the Body Fights Flu (7:40)

The immune systems attempts to identify and eliminate foreign entities (such as the flu virus) from the body. However, the flu is rarely an easy target.

Disease Defense: Autoimmune Diseases (0:37)

Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakes certain cells in the body for pathogens and attacks them.

Disease Defense: Antibiotics (1:33)

Antibiotics are used to treat diseases caused by bacteria. Some bacteria develop resistance to antibiotics.

Disease Defense: Immunity and Vaccination (3:06)

Vaccines may protect us from pathogens by causing the body to produce antibodies. Prior to 1955, before a vaccine was developed, many people died from polio.

Disease Defense: The Immune System (3:57)

The immune system contains white blood cells, which help destroy pathogens. Lymphocytes manufacture antibodies that help destroy pathogens.

Disease Defense: Barrier Against Pathogens (1:08)

Our skin helps protect us from diseases by acting as a barrier.