Summary of Innate (Nonspecific) Body Defenses Flashcards

1
Q

Intact skin (epidermis) (Surface membrane barriers—first line of defense)

A

Forms mechanical barrier that prevents entry of pathogens and other harmful substances into body

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2
Q

Acid mantle (Surface membrane barriers—first line of defense)

A

Skin secretions make epidermal surface acidic, which inhibits bacterial growth; sebum also contains bacteria-killing chemicals

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3
Q

Keratin (Surface membrane barriers—first line of defense)

A

Provides resistance against acids, alkalis, and bacterial enzymes

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4
Q

Intact mucous membranes (Surface membrane barriers—first line of defense)

A

Form mechanical barrier that prevents entry of pathogens

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5
Q

Mucus (Surface membrane barriers—first line of defense)

A

Traps microorganisms in respiratory and digestive tracts

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6
Q

Nasal hairs (Surface membrane barriers—first line of defense)

A

Filter and trap microorganisms and other airborne particles in nasal passages

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7
Q

Cilia (Surface membrane barriers—first line of defense)

A

Propel debris-laden mucus away from lower respiratory passages

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8
Q

Gastric juice (Surface membrane barriers—first line of defense)

A

Contains concentrated hydrochloric acid and protein-digesting enzymes that destroy pathogens in stomach

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9
Q

Acid mantle of vagina (Surface membrane barriers—first line of defense)

A

Inhibits growth of bacteria and fungi in female reproductive tract

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10
Q

Lacrimal secretion (tears); saliva (Surface membrane barriers—first line of defense)

A

Continuously lubricate and cleanse eyes (tears) and oral cavity (saliva); contain lysozyme, an enzyme that destroys microorganisms

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11
Q

Phagocytes (Cellular and chemical defenses—second line of defense)

A

Engulf and destroy pathogens that breach surface membrane barriers; macrophages also contribute to immune response

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12
Q

Natural killer cells (Cellular and chemical defenses—second line of defense)

A

Promote cell lysis by direct cell attack against virus-infected or cancerous body cells; do not depend on specific antigen recognition

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13
Q

Inflammatory response (Cellular and chemical defenses—second line of defense)

A

Prevents spread of injurious agents to adjacent tissues, disposes of pathogens and dead tissue cells, and promotes tissue repair; releases chemical mediators that attract phagocytes (and immune cells) to the area

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14
Q

Antimicrobial chemicals- Complement (Cellular and chemical defenses—second line of defense)

A

Group of plasma proteins that lyses microorganisms, enhances phagocytosis by opsonization, and intensifies inflammatory response.

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15
Q

Antimicrobial chemicals- Interferons (Cellular and chemical defenses—second line of defense)

A

Proteins released by virus-infected cells that protect uninfected tissue cells from viral takeover; mobilize immune system

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16
Q

Antimicrobial chemicals- Fluids with acid pH (Cellular and chemical defenses—second line of defense)

A

Normally acid p H inhibits bacterial growth; urine cleanses the lower urinary tract as it flushes from the body

17
Q

Fever (Cellular and chemical defenses—second line of defense)

A

Systemic response triggered by pyrogens; high body temperature inhibits multiplication of bacteria and enhances body repair processes