Concept explainers
To determine: The first line of defense in the body.
Introduction: Immune system is a defense system that consists of many biological structures and processes inside an organism in order to protect against the diseases. If the immune system does not function properly, it may lead to many serious disorders. These disorders possess low activity or over activity of the immune system.
Explanation of Solution
The defense mechanisms are generally classified into three lines of defense as follows:
- First line of defense
- Second line of defense
- Third line of defense
First line of defense: It is the general, non-specific defense mechanism that includes mechanical barriers such as skin or mucous membrane. This prevents the entry of bacteria or other harmful particles inside the tissues.
- Skin acts as a physical barrier that prevents the entry of pathogens from the external environment. The thick dead cells of the epidermis periodically shred to remove the pathogens.
- Skin as a chemical barrier: Areolar connective tissue of the dermis secretes hyaluronic acid that slows the migration penetrated microbial growth. Antimicrobial lysozyme, defensins, and dermicidin secreted by the sweat gland of the skin inhibit the growth of microbes. In addition to this, low pH of the skin also helps to inhibit the microbial growth.
- Mucous membrane: This membrane helps to prevent the entry at the openings of the body. The entry of pathogens through respiratory, gastrointestinal (GI), urinary, and reproductive tracts are blocked by the epithelial and connective tissues present in those tracts. Mucous secreted by these membrane helps to trap the microbes and antimicrobial substances present in the secretions and destroys the entered pathogen.
The first line of defense in the body is the mechanical barrier, which includes intact skin and mucous membrane.
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