We've all seen science fiction movies in which a space vessel is in danger because some alien invaders have breeched the hull. A crack team of professional crewmen is dispatched to the source of the breech to make repairs and dispatch any alien invaders.

Believe it not, this is a pretty accurate picture of what the immune system in the body does when an invader (called an antigen) breeches the human body. The body's immune response team is rapidly dispatched to the site of the immunity attack. This team fights the source of the attack aggressively. Without this highly sophisticated system of immunity freedom fighters mankind would have a very short lifespan. Colds could not be fought off and if you were to cut your finger the infection that would set in would cause death. There would be no safe place for any of us to go, just the absolute knowledge that we would eventually become infected with no way to combat the coming illness.

Today, doctors have a multitude of methods by which they can treat infections, but even in the best-case scenario these fine physicians are simply helping the body do what it already does.

The lymphatic system works with the body's blood system to respond to all antigen attacks. On both cases the body contains vessels that can immediately send a supply of bodily produced antibiotics to the source of the attack. Some agents within the immune system can actually cause invading cells to burst as a means of destroying their negative affects on the human body.

There are three primary types of immunity that are important to the human body.

1) Innate Immunity – This immunity is the system we are born with and will continue its work throughout our lives.

2) Adaptive Immunity – Remember when you had chicken pox as a child? This is an example of adaptive immunity. It develops immunity for something it was unprepared for when it encountered it the first time. That's why certain illnesses will only affect us once – our body learns how to combat it effectively in the future.

3) Passive Immunity – This immunity can be obtained through temporary natural and pharmaceutical sources. For instance mother's milk or a prescribed anti-biotic will be a passive/temporary source of immunity.

The body's immune system is an incredibly complex and skilled agent that allows mankind to live long lives and fight most common antigens. The end result is a dynamic display of a highly attentive system that helps us remain comfortable and healthy in most cases.

Perhaps the immune system
looks designed because it is designed.