5.12 - Human Barriers against Disease Flashcards
What are the two main types of defenses the human body has against pathogens?
The human body has physical barriers and chemical defenses.
What is the function of mucus in the airway?
Mucus traps bacteria and other pathogens before they reach the lungs and cause infection. Produced by goblet cells in the airway.
What role do cilia play in the respiratory system?
Cilia waft away mucus that has trapped pathogens to be killed by stomach acid.
What is the function of skin in the body’s defense?
Skin provides a physical barrier against pathogens, protecting the tissues and cells beneath it from infection.
What are lysozymes and where are they found?
Lysozymes are found in white blood cells.
What is the function of lysozymes?
Lysozymes are used by white blood cells to kill and digest bacteria.
