The innate immune response is our body's first way of fighting off infections. It has several important parts:

1. Physical Barriers:

   • Our skin and the surfaces inside our body keep germs out.
   • Tiny hairs in our lungs help sweep away germs.

2. Cellular Components:

   • Phagocytes: These are special cells, like neutrophils and macrophages, that eat up germs.
   • Natural Killer (NK) Cells: These cells target and destroy virus-infected cells and tumor cells.

3. Soluble Factors:

   • Complement System: This is a group of over 30 proteins that help tag germs so they can be attacked.
   • Cytokines: These are substances, like interleukin-1 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha, that help kickstart the body's response to inflammation.

4. Pattern Recognition Receptors (PRRs):

   • These are special receptors that can recognize common parts found on germs.

All these parts work together to help protect us immediately and also get ready for a later, stronger response from our adaptive immune system.