7.1 Dealing with toxins Flashcards
Explain how sight is used as a physical defence for ingesting toxins
If something looks bad we will not ingest it
Explain how smell is used as a physical defence for ingesting toxins
If something smells bad we will not ingest it
Explain how memory is used as a physical defence for ingesting toxins
If we remember that something caused us harm or tasted bad before we will not ingest it again
How does saliva protect against toxins?
Washes toxins into stomach, contains some immune defences to kill bacteria
What is the name of the condition where not enough saliva is produced?
Xerostomia
How does stomach aid with removing toxins from the body?
Stomach acid kills bacteria to sterilise chyme
Stomach mucosa stops toxins from damaging the endothelium
Name 2 viruses that are not affected by stomach acid
Coxsackie
Polio
Hepatits A
Name 2 bacteria that are not affected by stomach acid
H. pylori
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
How does the small intestine deal with toxins?
Bile Proteolytic enzymes Anaerobic environment Rapid transport Lack of nutrients for pathogens
How does the colon deal with toxins?
Anaerobic environment
Mucous layer
List 5 cells which are part of the innate defecnce against toxins
Neutrophils Macrophages Eosinophils Mast cells Basophils
Where does the gut capillary system go to?
Portal venous system
What are Kupffer cells?
Specialised macrophage cells which line liver lobules to remove bacteria
What toxins can accumulate in liver failure?
More at risk to bacterial or fungal infections
More at risk to toxins, drugs and alcohol
Ammonia may accumulate- hepatic encephalopathy
How can cirrhosis lead to an increased risk of infections?
Portal venous hypertension shunts blood (and toxins) from the gut to the systemic circulation.
