TY - CHAP M1 - Book, Section TI - Chapter 186. Overview of the Immune System A1 - Eisenstein, Eli M. A1 - Sullivan, Kathleen E. A1 - Williams, Calvin B. A2 - Rudolph, Colin D. A2 - Rudolph, Abraham M. A2 - Lister, George E. A2 - First, Lewis R. A2 - Gershon, Anne A. Y1 - 2011 N1 - T2 - Rudolph's Pediatrics, 22e AB - The principal function of the human immune system is to provide protection from the myriad potential pathogens that inhabit the natural world.1 An initial line of defense consists of mechanical barriers such as the skin and ciliated, mucus-covered membranes. Once a microorganism succeeds in breaching one of these barriers, it is typically engaged by an intricate and tightly regulated network of cells and soluble proteins that function collectively to eliminate it or render it harmless, without causing undue injury to the body. The preformed elements of this network provide a rapid response. Over several days to weeks, a more potent and specific immune response develops against unique microbial molecules. SN - PB - The McGraw-Hill Companies CY - New York, NY Y2 - 2024/10/03 UR - accesspediatrics.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=7018176 ER -