3 Fighting Sickness

FIGHTING SICKNESS

THE IMMUNE SYSTEM We're white blood cells! We're part of your body's immune system. We work together with other organ systems to help protect the body from harmful invaders! We use blood vessels to travel to the farthest reaches of your body.

White blood cells are manufactured inside certain bones. Within these bones, white blood cells make antibodies- -your body's first responders. Antibodies float through the body... ...latching onto and smothering invaders. shunk So, as you go about your everyday business... ...know that we're patrolling around inside... ...fighting sickness!

MICROBES Your body is made up of billions of tiny cells. But did you know that there are billions of even tinier organisms inside of you as well? Microbes! Microbes in your body are mostly bacteria, but microbes can also be viruses, fungi, or even algae. Most microbes in your body are much smaller than cells. In fact, the bacteria in your intestines are so small they outnumber the rest of the cells in your entire body.

Some microbes, like the bacteria living in your digestive system, can be helpful. But, beware, microbes can also be harmful! Harmful microbes are commonly called germs. Your body needs a healthy immune system to kill germs before they get out of control!

INFECTION When germs invade your body, it is called an infection. Orifices, or the openings of your body, offer microbes the best chance to get inside. Orifices include your ears, eyes, nose, and mouth. Your skin serves as a microbe protection- -It helps keep microbes out.