The Team Members of Your
known about your immune system until quite Research is still discovering new facts about this amazing
antibodies. Little
recently.
was
system, whose chief function is tion and other intruders.
ly
71
Healing System
to
defend your
body against
infec
The cellular components of your immune system consist large of white blood cells, with highly specialized roles and functions.
You
can
think of white blood cells
grammed
to
destroy
any
invading
bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites,
as
infantrymen
who
are
pro
enemy in the form of or
other harmful
pathogenic organisms. The
division of labor among the many types of white blood cells of your immune system is so detailed, subtle, sophisticated, and precise as to make any other army or military force in the appear primitive and impotent in comparison.
Antibodies, which threats and
can
history
of the world
in direct response to specific molecular cruise missiles, are released
produced
are
be likened
to
destroy unwanted intruders with remarkable speed, accuracy, and precision. Antibodies are pres ent in the blood, produced in large quantities upon demand. They also are in the body’s mucous membranes, such as the nose, mouth, respiratory system, intestines, urethra, and other body tissues and into the bloodstream
cavities that
to
connect to
seek
out
and
the outside environment.
Your immune system, once thought to be a completely inde pendent system, is now known to be directly linked to your brain
system, and to other systems, as well. For example, white blood cells have been discovered to possess receptors for neu rotransmitters produced by the brain, which demonstrates a direct and
nervous
chemical link with your brain and nervous system. Other white blood cells have been found to have specific hormone receptors, indicating that your endocrine system communicates directly with your immune system. Even
certain white blood cells
astonishing is recent evidence produce and secrete hormones
more
can
communicate directly with your endocrine system. As we discussed earlier, your immune system works
that that
closely with your healing system; and although the two systems are clearly dis tinct, in many instances they work together to restore your body to its natural
state
of health.