Body Defense Flashcards
Two types of mechanisms defend the body against these tiny but mighty enemies:
innate and adaptive defense mechanisms
is a functional system rather than an organ system in an anatomical sense.
the immune system
The most important of the
immune cells are
lymphocytes, dendritic cells,
and macrophages.
play an important role in both innate and adaptive mechanisms.
Macrophages
also called the nonspecific defense system, responds immediately to protect the body from all foreign substances, whatever they are
innate defense system
Innate (nonspecific) defense mechanisms- First line of defense
- Skin
- Mucous membranes
- Secretions of skin
and mucous
membranes
Innate (nonspecific) defense mechanisms- Second line of defense
- Phagocytic cells
- Natural killer cells
- Antimicrobial proteins
- The inflammatory
response - Fever
Adaptive (specific) defense
mechanisms- Third line of defense
- Lymphocytes
- Antibodies
- Macrophages and other
antigen-presenting cells
reduce the workload of the adaptive defense mechanisms by generally preventing the entry and spread of microorganisms throughout the body.
innate mechanisms
or specific defense system, fights invaders that get past the innate defenses by mounting an attack against one or more particular foreign substances.
adaptive defense system
The resulting highly specific resistance to disease is called
immunity
Another important feature of the adaptive response is that it
“remembers” which invaders it has fought
refers to the mechanical barriers that cover body surfaces and to the cells and chemicals that act on the initial battlefronts to protect the body from invading pathogens (harmful microorganisms)
innate, or nonspecific, body defense
The body’s first line of defense against the invasion of disease-causing microorganisms includes the
skin and mucous membranes
Forms mechanical barrier that prevents entry of pathogens and other harmful substances into body.
Intact skin (epidermis)
Skin secretions make epidermal surface acidic, which inhibits
bacterial growth; sebum also contains bacteria-killing chemicals.
Acid mantle
Provides resistance against acids, alkalis, and bacterial enzymes.
Keratin
Form mechanical barrier that prevents entry of pathogens
Intact mucous membranes
Traps microorganisms in respiratory and digestive tracts.
Mucus
Filter and trap microorganisms and other airborne particles in nasal
passages.
Nasal hairs
Propel debris-laden mucus away from lower respiratory passages.
Cilia
Contains concentrated hydrochloric acid and protein-digesting
enzymes that destroy pathogens in stomach.
Gastric juice
Inhibits growth of bacteria and fungi in female reproductive tract.
Acid mantle of vagina
Continuously lubricate and cleanse eyes (tears) and oral cavity
(saliva); contain lysozyme, an enzyme that destroys microorganisms.
Lacrimal secretion (tears); saliva