Science Common Sense
949 - How does the body fight off viruses and bacteria?
Imagine your body is a castle with a powerful defense system. Here's how it fights off viruses and bacteria:
- Castle walls: Your skin and mucus act as barriers to keep germs out.
- Army: White blood cells, like special soldiers, patrol your body and attack germs that get in.
- Warning system: When germs enter, your immune system sends out alarm signals that trigger the army to respond.
- Superpower: Your body can remember certain germs, so the next time they come, your army is ready and can fight them off faster.
Types of white blood cells:
- Neutrophils: eat up bacteria
- Lymphocytes: remember and attack viruses and bacteria
- Macrophages: swallow and digest germs
Your body also has a powerful helper – antibodies. These are special chemicals that stick to germs and help the army fight them off.
So, your body's defense system works hard to keep you healthy and strong!