Flora

Question 1

What is Resident Flora?

Answer 1

-Microorganisms adapted to survive on human skin
-Do not usually cause disease
-Prevent growth of other microorganisms
-Relatively permanent

Question 2

What is Transient flora?

Answer 2

-Not adapted to survive on human skin
-Easily transferred from surface to surface
-Likely to cause disease
-Removed by handwashing
-Temporary

Question 3

What is an Opportunist flora?

Answer 3

Resident flora that causes disease under certain conditions

Question 4

What are THREE conditions that could cause Opportunist flora?

Answer 4

Immune compromised:
Old & Young
Malnourished
Physical/Emotional stress

Question 5

What is the body’s first line of defence?

Answer 5

Physical and chemical barriers

Question 6

What is an example of Chemical barrier?

Answer 6

Sweat, pH of 5 to restrict the multiplication of microorganisms

Question 7

What is an example of a Physical barrier?

Answer 7

Shedding skin: as new skin is produced, old cells are pushed off and take along any microorganisms

Question 8

How does the mucous membrane assist in defence?

Answer 8

Secretes mucus which traps dust, foreign particles and microbes.
Form of physical and chemical defence.

Question 9

What are the main cleansing secretions?

Answer 9

Lysozyme
Stomach acid
Lactoferrin