What Is Life? A Guide to Biology with Physiology
What Is Life? A Guide to Biology with Physiology
4th Edition
ISBN: 9781319065447
Author: Jay Phelan
Publisher: W. H. Freeman
Question
Book Icon
Chapter 27, Problem 1SA
Summary Introduction

To review:

The three ways in which the immune system combats pathogens.

Introduction:

The immune system is said to have three lines of defense – physical, non-specific and specific.

Expert Solution & Answer
Check Mark

Explanation of Solution

The immune system has levels at which it defends the body against pathogens.

Physical barriers make up the first level of defense, by preventing the pathogens from entering and establishing infection in the body. The skin, hair in the nose and ears, and the mucus membranes are examples of physical barriers. They also secrete some chemicals that stop the growth of pathogens.

Non-specific immunity refers to the immune cells that attack all foreign objects, without specifically attacking one type of pathogen. This type of defense is rapid and is seen in almost all multicellular organisms. This is also called innate immunity since we are born with it.

Specific immunity refers to the cells and molecules that recognize specific pathogens, remember them and attack them strongly when they re-enter the body. This is slow to activate, but offers the best protection once activated. This is also called adaptive immunity.

Conclusion

Physical barriers are the surfaces such as the skin, hair and the mucus membranes, that prevent the entry of pathogens into the body. Non-specific immunity refers to the immune cells that recognize any foreign object and attack it rapidly, without being specific to one pathogen. Specific immunity refers to the immune cells and molecules that recognize and fight off specific pathogens, that the body has been previously exposed to.

Want to see more full solutions like this?

Subscribe now to access step-by-step solutions to millions of textbook problems written by subject matter experts!
Students have asked these similar questions
Describe the primary functions and organs of the immune system.
Outline the sequence of events in a humoral immune response, from the introduction of antigen to the production of antibody.
Outline the events in the innate and adaptive immune responses, from when a pathogen invades to clearance of the pathogen.
Knowledge Booster
Background pattern image
Recommended textbooks for you
Text book image
Biology: The Dynamic Science (MindTap Course List)
Biology
ISBN:9781305389892
Author:Peter J. Russell, Paul E. Hertz, Beverly McMillan
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
Medical Terminology for Health Professions, Spira...
Health & Nutrition
ISBN:9781305634350
Author:Ann Ehrlich, Carol L. Schroeder, Laura Ehrlich, Katrina A. Schroeder
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
Human Biology (MindTap Course List)
Biology
ISBN:9781305112100
Author:Cecie Starr, Beverly McMillan
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
Intro To Health Care
Health & Nutrition
ISBN:9781337338295
Author:Mitchell
Publisher:Cengage
Text book image
Human Physiology: From Cells to Systems (MindTap ...
Biology
ISBN:9781285866932
Author:Lauralee Sherwood
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
Concepts of Biology
Biology
ISBN:9781938168116
Author:Samantha Fowler, Rebecca Roush, James Wise
Publisher:OpenStax College