Question

Which of the following is an example of an autoimmune disease?
a.
Influenza
b.
Allergies
c.
Asthma
d.
Multiple Sclerosis

Answer 1

Hi, djs98!



An autoimmune disorder is a condition that occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys healthy body tissue. There are more than 80 different types of autoimmune disorders.

Normally the immune system's white blood cells help protect the body from harmful substances, called antigens. Examples of antigens include bacteria, viruses, toxins, cancer cells, and blood or tissues from another person or species. The immune system produces antibodies that destroy these harmful substances.

Multiple sclerosis or MS is a disease that affects the brain and spinal cord, resulting in loss of muscle control, vision, balance, and sensation (such as numbness). With MS, the nerves of the brain and spinal cord are damaged by one's own immune system. Thus, the condition is called an autoimmune disease.


Citations:

"What Is Multiple Sclerosis? What Causes MS?" WebMD. WebMD, n.d. Web. 17 Jan. 2014.

"Autoimmune Disorders: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia." U.S National Library of Medicine. U.S. National Library of Medicine, n.d. Web. 17 Jan. 2014.