Human Defence Responses Flashcards
How can pathogens enter your body?
Pathogens can enter your body through any opening or break in the skin.
What are the defences of the skin?
It covers your body and acts as a barrier, unless it is broken.
It produces antimicrobial excretions to destroy pathogenic bacteria.
It is covered with microorganisms that keep you healthy.
What are the defences of your nose
Your nose is full of hairs and mucus that traps potentially harmful particles when you breathe in.
How do the trachea and bronchi protect themselves?
They secrete mucus that traps pathogens in the air, and are lined with cilia that waft the mucus up to the back of the throat to be swallowed.
How does the stomach protect itself?
The stomach produces acid that destroys the microorganisms in swallowed mucus.
What do white blood cells do to directly combat pathogens?
White blood cells sometimes ingest pathogens to destroy them.
What are antibodies?
Antibodies are produced by white blood cells and target specific bacteria or viruses to destroy them. They recognise the unique antigens of the pathogen, and once exposed can be created very quickly.
