Malcolm Rivera
The body's first line of defence against disease is its innate immune system, which acts as a barrier between pathogens and the body. This includes physical and chemical barriers such as skin, tears, mucus, cilia, stomach acid, urine flow, 'friendly' bacteria and white blood cells called neutrophils. These barriers are always ready to defend the body from infection and respond very quickly to germs and foreign substances.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| First line of defence | Physical and chemical barriers |
| Examples | Skin |
| Tears | |
| Mucus | |
| Saliva | |
| Cilia | |
| Stomach acid | |
| Urine flow | |
| 'Friendly' bacteria | |
| White blood cells (neutrophils) | |
| Function | Detects and destroys bacteria |
| Traps and swallows pathogens | |
| Moves mucus and trapped particles away from the lungs | |
| Kills bacteria and parasites | |
| Flushes out pathogens from the bladder |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Skin
The skin is the largest organ of the body and acts as a barrier between invaders (pathogens) and the body. It forms a waterproof mechanical barrier that prevents microorganisms from entering the body unless the skin is broken. The skin is part of the body's first line of defence against pathogens (germs) that make you sick. Pathogens include bacteria, viruses, toxins, parasites and fungi.
The skin is also part of the innate immune system, which acts as the body's first line of defence against intruders. The innate immune system responds in the same way to all germs and foreign substances, which is why it is sometimes referred to as the "non-specific" immune system. It acts very quickly – for example, it makes sure that bacteria that have entered the skin through a small wound are detected and destroyed on the spot within a few hours. However, the innate immune system cannot always stop germs from spreading.
Other parts of the first line of defence include tears, mucus, saliva, cilia, stomach acid, urine flow, 'friendly' bacteria and white blood cells called neutrophils. Tears, mucus and saliva contain an enzyme that breaks down the cell wall of many bacteria. Those that are not killed immediately are trapped in mucus and swallowed. Special cells line and protect the nose, throat and other passages within the body. The inner lining of the gut and lungs also produces mucus to trap invading pathogens.
Very fine hairs (cilia) lining the windpipe move mucus and trapped particles away from the lungs. Stomach acid kills bacteria and parasites that have been swallowed, and urine flow flushes out pathogens from the bladder area.
The Constitutional Republic: America's First?
You may want to see also
Tears and mucus
The body's first line of defence against disease is a two-line defence system against pathogens (germs) that make you sick. Pathogens include bacteria, viruses, toxins, parasites and fungi.
The first line of defence includes physical and chemical barriers that are always ready and prepared to defend the body from infection. These include your skin, tears, mucus, cilia, stomach acid, urine flow, ‘friendly’ bacteria and white blood cells called neutrophils.
Skin, tears and mucus are part of the first line of defence in fighting infection. Tears, mucus and saliva contain an enzyme that breaks down the cell wall of many bacteria. Those that are not killed immediately are trapped in mucus and swallowed. The inner lining of your gut and lungs also produces mucus to trap invading pathogens.
Mucus is a sticky substance that is produced by the mucous membranes in the body. It is found in the nose, throat, eyes and other passages within the body. Mucus helps to trap bacteria and other particles before they can enter the body. It also helps to keep the mucous membranes moist and healthy.
Tears are produced by the lacrimal glands, which are located above the eyes. Tears help to wash away bacteria and other particles that may be present on the surface of the eye. They also contain antibodies that can help to destroy bacteria. Tears also help to keep the eyes moist and healthy.
Rosa Parks: Constitution Defender Before Her Time
You may want to see also
Saliva
The body's first line of defence against disease includes physical and chemical barriers such as skin, tears, mucus, cilia, stomach acid, urine flow, 'friendly' bacteria and white blood cells called neutrophils.
America's First Constitution: The Articles of Confederation Explained
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Stomach acid
The body's first line of defence against disease is its innate immune system, which acts as a barrier to pathogens (germs) that make you sick. Pathogens include bacteria, viruses, toxins, parasites and fungi.
Israel's Gratitude to India: A Constitutional Tribute
You may want to see also
Urine flow
The body's first line of defence against disease is a two-part system that protects against pathogens (germs) that cause illness. Pathogens include bacteria, viruses, toxins, parasites and fungi.
The first line of defence includes physical and chemical barriers that are always ready to defend the body from infection. These include the skin, tears, mucus, cilia, stomach acid, urine flow, 'friendly' bacteria and white blood cells called neutrophils.
In addition to its role in removing pathogens, urine flow can also provide information about the body's health. Changes in urine flow, such as increased frequency or urgency, can be a sign of infection or other medical conditions. For example, a decrease in urine flow can be a sign of dehydration, while an increase in urine flow can indicate a problem with the kidneys or other organs. Therefore, monitoring urine flow can be an important part of maintaining overall health and detecting potential health issues.
Overall, urine flow is an important part of the body's first line of defence against disease. It helps to remove pathogens from the body, maintain the health of the urinary tract, and provide information about the body's overall health. By ensuring proper urine flow, individuals can contribute to their body's natural defence system and maintain optimal health.
Foundations of Freedom: First Principles of the US Constitution
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The body's first line of defence against disease is its innate immune system. This includes physical and chemical barriers that are always ready to defend the body from infection.
The body's first line of defence includes the skin, tears, mucus, saliva, cilia, stomach acid, urine flow, 'friendly' bacteria and white blood cells called neutrophils.
The first line of defence acts as a barrier to prevent pathogens from entering the body. Pathogens include bacteria, viruses, toxins, parasites and fungi. If this defence is broken, the body's second line of defence is activated.
![healblend 10 in 1 Immune Support Supplement Booster with Elderberry, Zinc, Echinacea, Turmeric, Lactobacillus Acidophilus, for Adults [120 Capsules]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71U7ywpCSFL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
