There is no tissue or organ with a greater impact on health than the immune sytem. The immune system is not based in one set of organised tissues, but is disparate and spread systemically throughout our bodies (Ash, M: 2010). The immune system is a highly complex and the various cells patrol every component of the body, defending against invaders and cellular damage, whilst providing continuous information to the endocrine and central nervous system to maintain homeostatis (Lloyd et al: 2001).
When the immune system has the ability to adapt to new and immune-stimulating challenges and maintain appropriate response, then our immune system is healthy. When this function is compromised, this can result in the dysregulation of the immune function, which may result in immunodeficiency, chronic immune activation, and autoimmunity or allergy (Kuek et al: 2007).
References
Ash, M (2010) in: Beirne, A and Nicolle, L (2010). Biochemical Imbalances in Disease. Singing Dragon. UK.1st Ed, 256
Kuek, A., Hazleman, BL. and Ostor, AJ. (2007). Immune-medicated inflammatory diseases and biologic therapy: A medical revolution. Postgraduate Medical Journal 83, 978, 251- 260
Lloyd, D., Aon, MA and Cortassa, S. (2001) Why homeodynamics, not homeostasis? Scientific World Journal 4, 1, 133-145