Fighting Disease Flashcards
Examples of our defence system
1) Skin, 2) Hairs and mucus, 3) Trachea and Bronchi, 4) The stomach.
How does skin fight pathogens?
The skin acts as a barrier to pathogens. It also secretes/produces antimicrobial substances which kill pathogens.
How do hairs and mucus fight pathogens?
Hairs and mucus in your nose trap particles that could contain pathogens.
How do the trachea and bronchi fight pathogens?
The trachea and bronchi secrete mucus to trap pathogens. They are also lined with cilia. These are hair-like structures which waft the mucus up to the back of the throat where it can be swallowed.
How does the stomach fight pathogens?
The stomach produces hydrochloric acid. This kills pathogens that make it that far from the mouth.
What is the main defence system against pathogens and diseases?
The Immune system.
How does the immune system defend against pathogens?
If pathogens do make it into your body, your immune system kicks in to destroy them. The most important part of your immune system is the white blood cells. They travel around in your blood and crawl into every part of you, constantly patrolling for microbes.
How do white blood cells attack pathogens?
1) White blood cells can engulf foreign cells and digest them. This process is called phagocytosis. 2) White blood cells can produce antibodies which lock onto the invading cells so that they can be found and destroyed by other white blood cells. 3) White blood cells can produce Antitoxins which counteract the toxins produced by the invading bacteria.
