First Line of Defence - Animals Flashcards
How can the First line of defence be split?
Into physical, chemical and microbial
What are the physical barriers for animals?
- Intact skin
- Hairs
- Mucus
- Earwax
- Tears
Explain purpose of intact skin in animals
Pathogens have no opening to enter body, and bounce off skin
Explain purpose of hairs in animals
(ears, nose, eyelashes) which block pathogens in areas openings
Explain purpose of mucus in animals
(Nose, throat and genitals) Sticky substance catches pathogens and cilia in thorat move mucus up into mouth to be swallowed
Explain purpose of earwax in animals
Sticky substance that traps pathogens
Explain purpose of tears in animals
In terms of physical barriers
Tears help wash away pathogens alongside blinking
What are the chemical barriers in animals?
- Stomach acid
- Sweat
- Mucus
- Washing with protective enzymes
- Commensal organisms
- Acidic pH
Explain purpose of stomach acid in animals
pH 2 acidity destroys pathogens in food (or mucus) or whatever that is swallowed
Because pathogenic enzymes denature
Explain purpose of sweat in animals
Salty substance which dehydrates pathogens
Explain purpose of mucus in animals
Chemical barrier
Chemicals in mucus destroy pathogens
Explain purpose of washing with protective enzymes in animals
Lysozome in tears break down pathogens
Explain purpose of commensal organisms in animals
Commensal means not harmful
Bacteria produce toxic chemicals to the pathogens
Explain purpose of Acidic pH in animals
In genitals, low pH denatures pathogenic enzymes
What are the microbiological barriers in animals and how do they work?
High quanity of commensal bacteria on and in us means very little space for pathogens to land and start replicating. Also very few resources.
