6.3 Defence against infectious diseases Flashcards
What are the first line of defence against infectious disease?
Surface barriers
What do surface barriers prevent?
The entry of pathogens into the body
What do surface barriers include?
Intact skin and mucous membranes
What does the skin protect when intact?
External structures
What does the skin consist of?
A dry, thick and tough region comprised of mostly dead surface cells
What does the skin contain?
Biochemical defence - sebaceous glands
What does the skin secrete to lower the pH?
Lactic acid and fatty acids
What does mucous membranes protect?
Internal structures
What does the mucous membranes consist of?
A thin region of living surface cells that release fluids
What do the fluids released by mucous membranes wash away?
Pathogens
What does mucous membranes contain?
Biochemical defence agents - lysozomes
What may mucous membranes be ciliated to aid?
The removal of pathogens
What is clotting?
The mechanism by which broken blood vessels are repaired when damaged
What does clotting function to do?
Prevent blood loss from the body and m
