Medical and Pharmacology | Human diseases and medical and dental emergencies | Innate and adaptive immunity

Innate and adaptive immunity
Session overview
Description
This session outlines the difference between the innate and adaptive immune systems, the design, components and cellular function of the immune system and the consequences of breakdown of normal immune function.

Learning objectives
By the end of this session you will be able to:

• distinguish between the innate and adaptive immune systems
• list the components and cellular function of the immune system
• explain the consequences of a breakdown in the normal immune function

Prerequisites
Before commencing this session you should:

• have experience of obtaining a comprehensive medical and drug history from patients
• have met, talked with and treated patients with immunological conditions

Immunology (from immunis, meaning in Latin ‘free of burden’) is the study of the organs, cells and chemical components of the immune system.

As a competent and caring dentist, it is important to know how the normal immune system functions.

You will be treating patients who have impaired immune systems.

Irrespective of whether this is from HIV, an autoimmune condition or a hypersensitivity reaction, you need to understand the mechanism underlying these conditions, so that you can appreciate the effect your dental treatment will have on the patient and their condition.

This session will provide a high-level overview of the workings of the immune system.