The immune system consists of a network of white blood cells, antibodies, and other substances that fight off infections and reject foreign proteins ( see Table: Specialized Cells and Molecules of the Immune System Specialized Cells and Molecules of the Immune System 
). In addition, the immune system includes several organs. Some, such as the thymus gland and the bone marrow, are the sites where white blood cells are produced. Others, including the spleen and lymph nodes, trap microorganisms and foreign substances and provide a place for immune system cells to collect, interact with each other and with foreign substances, and generate an immune response.
Also see professional content regarding the immune system Biology of the Immune System in Animals Animals are under constant threat of microbial invasion. These potential invaders gain access to the body through the intestine and respiratory tract and the skin. The large and diverse microbiota... read more .
