Which system of the body does leukemia primarily affect?

Leukemia primarily affects the immune system because it is a type of cancer that originates in the bone marrow, where blood cells are produced. It particularly impacts the production of white blood cells, which are crucial components of the immune system. In leukemia, the bone marrow produces abnormal white blood cells that do not function properly, leading to a compromised ability to fight infections and other diseases. Moreover, the increased number of these dysfunctional cells can crowd out healthy cells, further impairing the immune response.

The other systems mentioned are not primarily impacted by leukemia. The nervous system is responsible for coordinating body functions and processing sensory information; the cardiovascular system deals with heart and blood vessel functions; and the endocrine system regulates hormones and metabolic processes. While these systems may experience secondary effects from the complications of leukemia or its treatment, they are not the primary focus of the disease.