1.

5
Role of the circulatory system in
the bodys defence mechanisms
Bodys defence mechanism
Human bodies have three lines of defence
against pathogens.
First line of defence (skin, mucous membrane)
Second line of defence (phagocytes)
Third line of defence (lymphocytes)
First line of defence
Skin
Acts as a physical barrier
Made up of dead keratinized
layer which is difficult to
penetrate
Sebaceous glands secrete
sebum which contain lysozymes
to destroy bacteria


First line of defence
Mucous membranes
Mucus in the nasal cavity trap dust particles and
spores
Cilia (respiratory tract) sweep the trapped
particles to the pharynx.
Gastric juices (in stomach) will killed
microorganisms that enter the stomach.
Second line of defence
If the pathogens are able to get past the first
line of defence, for example, through a cut in
your skin, and an infection develops, the
second line of defence becomes active.
Some WBC such as neutrophils act as
phagocytes. They are attracted by the
chemicals produced at the sites of infection.
The phagocytes move towards the pathogens
and engulf them by phagocytosis.

Third line of defence
Lymphocytes are WBC found in the lymph
nodes and in the blood circulatory system.
Two types of lymphocytes:
T-lymphocytes
Attack cells infected by pathogens or
Produce certain chemicals to coordinate immune
response
B-lymphocytes
Produce antibodies
Cont.
Antibody protein produced by lymphocytes
in response to the presence of an antigen.
Antigen foreign substance which stimulates
the body to produce an immune response
Antibodies are specific in action and promote
the destruction of antigens in different ways.
After an infection, some lymphocytes remain in
the body as memory cells.
Memory lymphocytes help to defend the
body against further infection by the same
antigen.
Types of immunity
Immunity: the ability of an organism to defend
itself against infection by pathogens.
Types of immunity:
Active immunity (natural & artificial)
Passive immunity (natural & artificial)
Immunisation: the process by which an
individual's immune system becomes fortified
against an agent (known as the immunogen).
Types of immunity
Immunity
Active
Own
antibodies
Natural
Exposure to
infectious
agent
Artificial
Immunization
Acquired Passive Immunity
Inherited natural immunity: inherited by
individual through the placenta or mothers
milk.
Active natural immunity
Active natural
acquired
immunity: acquired
after a person
recovers from an
infection.
Eg; measles or
chickenpox.

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Active artificial immunity
Active artificial
acquired immunity:
Eg; vaccine (contains
killed or weakened
antigens).
Active because the
a/bodies produced by
the body itself
Artificial because it is
obtained through
vaccination.
the process is known
as immunisation.

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Passive immunity
1. Passive natural immunity: when a/bodies
from the mother transported across the
placenta to the foetus. Lasts for a few
months.
2. Passive artificial immunity: injecting serum
containing a specific a/bodies prepared from
human/animals blood.
Passive artificial immunity
Usually used to treat
patient with serious ill.
Eg: rabies, tetanus or
snake bites
Give temporary
immunity.

Difference between passive and
active immunity

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Human Immunodeficiency Virus
(HIV)
- Effects on the bodys defence mechanism
AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) is
caused by HIV.
HIV infects the helper T-cells (important to activate
other lymphocytes in the bodys defence mechanisms
against disease).
Once infected, it takes a long incubation period before
the symptoms appear.
A persons immune system gradually decrease in
function and tend to get infected by secondary
infection such as pneumonia, meningitis and fungal
diseases.
He/she may develop a cancer. Eg: Kaposis sarcoma
Transmission of HIV
There are several possible ways in which the virus can
enter.
1. Having sex with an infected partner
2. Injection-drug users who share needles or syringes
that are contaminated with blood from an infected
person.
3. Women can transmit HIV to their babies during
pregnancy or birth, when infected maternal cells
enter the baby's circulation, or through
breastfeeding.
4. HIV can be spread in health-care settings through
accidental needle sticks or contact with
contaminated fluids.

Transmission of HIV
5. Transfusion of contaminated blood or blood
components.
6. The virus does not spread through casual
contact such as preparing food, sharing
towels and bedding, or via swimming pools,
telephones, or toilet seats. The virus is also
unlikely to be spread by contact with saliva,
unless it is contaminated with blood.

Ways to prevent the spread of
AIDS
Abstain from sex.
Use a condom in other situations.
Do not share needles or inject illicit drugs.
If you work in a health-care field, follow
recommended guidelines for protecting yourself
against needle sticks and exposure to
contaminated fluids.
If you have engaged in risky behaviors, get tested
to see if you have HIV.
Strict screening of blood before transfusion.
Awareness campaign and counseling.


1.6
Appreciating a healthy
cardiovascular system
Learning outcomes..
At the end of lesson, you should be able to:
Select and practice suitable ways to maintain a
healthy cardiovascular system.

Risk factors for cardiovascular
diseases (CVD)
Cardiovascular diseases share risk factors with
other major diseases.
Tobacco smoking
Poor diet and nutrition
Physical inactivity
Overweight and obesity
High blood pressure
High blood cholesterol
Diabetes
High alcohol consumption
Atherosclerosis
How to take care of healthy
cardiovascular system?
Follow a well-balanced diet that is low in saturated
fats, cholesterol and salt.
Maintain a healthy weight to reduce stress on the
heart, blood vessels, and lymph vessels.
Participate in regular aerobic exercise for at least
30 minutes three to four times per week.
Avoid the use of tobacco products and exposure to
secondhand tobacco smoke.
Avoid illegal drugs including stimulants, marijuana
and ecstasy.