Immune system structures
The immune system protects the body from potentially harmful
substances. The inflammatory response (inflammation) is part of
innate immunity. It occurs when tissues are injured by bacteria,
trauma, toxins, heat or any other cause.
Review Date: 5/30/2009
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine,
Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of
Washington School of Medicine; Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Assistant
Professor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Assistant in
Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine,
Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD,
MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
The information provided herein should not be used during any
medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical
condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for
diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911
for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for
information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those
other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the
information contained herein is strictly prohibited.