Non-specific defence systems
The body is constantly defending against attacks from Microorganism that causes disease..
The first line of defence against infection stops the pathogens from entering the body. These first lines are general defences - they are not specific to fight against certain types of pathogen.
The skin:
- is a physical barrier to infection
- produces an oily secretion called sebum, which has antimicrobial properties
The respiratory system:
- the lining of the respiratory system, including the nose, The windpipe, the tube that leads from the mouth towards the lungs. and The plural of 'bronchus'. The bronchi are the two major air tubes in the lungs. produce Slimy white protein, which lines the respiratory tract and alimentary canal., which traps foreign particles, including Single-celled microorganisms, some of which are pathogenic in humans, animals and plants. Singular is bacterium. and An ultramicroscopic infectious non-cellular organism that can replicate inside the cells of living hosts, with negative consequences.
- tiny hair-like structures called Tiny hair-like projections from a cell that usually allow it to move a substance past the cell (for example, in the bronchioles in the lungs). beat to remove mucus from the respiratory system
The stomach:
- produces hydrochloric acid, which kills the majority of pathogens taken in through the mouth
A cross-section of skin
