Defence against disease - barriers to pathogens Flashcards
What forms the primary defense against pathogens that cause infectious disease?
The skin and mucous membranes.
What is the largest organ of the body?
Skin.
What role does skin play in protecting against pathogens?
Provides a tough physical barrier that prevents entry of pathogens into our bodies.
How are cuts in the skin sealed to prevent pathogen entry?
By the formation of blood clots.
What chemical protection does skin provide?
Production of sebum from the sebaceous glands.
What is the role of sebum in skin protection?
Maintains a low skin pH which inhibits the growth of microorganisms.
Where are mucous membranes found?
Lining vulnerable areas such as airways, reproductive organs, and the digestive system.
What do goblet cells produce?
Mucus containing glycoproteins.
What happens to microorganisms and particles that become trapped by mucus?
They are swept along by cilia and swallowed.
What destroys swallowed microorganisms in the stomach?
Acid in the stomach.
What additional protection does mucus provide against microorganisms?
Contains lysozyme enzymes which have antibacterial properties.
True or False: Skin is only a physical barrier against pathogens.
False.
Fill in the blank: The _______ membranes help trap pathogens in vulnerable areas of the body.
mucous
What is the function of cilia in the airways?
Sweeping mucus and trapped microorganisms upwards.
