4.1.4: Primary defences against disease Flashcards
what are some types of physical barriers to infection?
skin which consists of keratin
stomach acid (HCL) which kills bacteria
gut and skin flora compete with pathogens for food and space
how does inflammation respond to infection?
histamines are released by the mast cells in the injured tissue, causing vasodilation which increase blood flow to injured area and increases permeability of blood vessels. As a result, antibodies WBCs and plasma leak into in infected tissue and destroys pathogen
what is a lysozyme action?
an enzyme found in secretions such as tears and mucus which kills bacteria by breaking down their cell wall
what is phagocytosis?
a process in which WBC engulf pathogens and therefore destroy them
what is the specific immune response?
an antigen specific response to one specific type of pathogen, this response relies on lymphocytes produced in the bone marrow
