The Immune System: Overview, Cells and Organs

What the page covers

This unit sits in the Basic Immunology strand of Microbiology and immunology. It runs from the first line of defence and the organs of the immune system to adaptive responses, antibodies and clinical topics. Most items are mind maps, flashcard decks and quizzes, with some notes, flowcharts and slide sets.

Where to start

Begin with the big-picture maps. The mind map called Immunology lays out three lines of defence, from the external physical barrier to specific immune responses, and names the primary lymphoid organs. Then open Adaptive Immune System, which splits humoral from cell-mediated responses and follows antibody diversity, T-cell receptors and antigen presentation.

Next, go to the cells themselves:

• B and T cells compares humoral and cellular responses, and where each cell type matures.
• Complement System Mind Map sets out the classical, MB lectin and alternative pathways and what starts each one.
• Autoimmunity explains what happens when the immune system loses its sense of self.

Using quizzes and maps together

Read a map, then close it and try a quiz on the same idea. The TCR quiz asks where the antigen binding site sits on the T-cell receptor. The Antigen Presentation quiz asks which cells are professional antigen presenting cells and which MHC complex CD8 T-cells recognise. Anything you miss tells you which branch of the map to reread.

For clinical practice, the quizzes on immunotherapy and on transplant immunology cover topics such as replacement therapy, live vaccines and donor matching. Several listed items mention USMLE, so they suit professional candidates too.

Building your own revision

Flashcard decks such as Positive and Negative T-Cell Selection and Leukocyte differentiation are good for short sessions. Teachers can pick a map or slide set to open a lesson, then set a quiz afterwards.

When you are ready, choose one resource, work through it, and then make a map or deck of your own.