The First Line of Defence The Second Line of Defence The Third Line of Defence

The First Line of Defence

Consists of physical and chemical barriers

that prevent pathogens from entering the body.  Example: a) skin- the outer layer of the skin is tough and provides a physical barrier that is impermeable to bacteria and viruses. - the continual shedding of dead skin cells makes it difficult for bacteria to grow on the skin.

-acts as a chemical barrier as it secretes sebum.

 sebum forms a protective film over the skin.  sweat excreted by the skin contains lysozyme, an

enzyme capable of breaking down the cell walls of certain bacteria. B) MUCOUS MEMBRANE: - is provided by the mucous membrane that lines the trachea, the respiratory passageways, the digestive and urogenital tracts. -secretes sticky fluid called mucus that contains lysozyme which traps and destroys bacteria.

a)

Example:
o

The mucous membrane of the nose has mucus-coated hairs that trap and filter microorganisms, dust and pullutants from inhaled air. Tear and saliva also contain lysozyme which helps protect the eyes and mouth from bacterial invasion.

The digestive tract is a route through which pathogens can gain entry into our body. Pathogens present in the food and drinks that we consume can enter the alimentary canal. The stomach secretes hydrochloric acid which destroys most microorganisms.

The second line of defence

Pathogens may still be able to gain entry into our body To fight these pathogens, the body has a second line of defence Phagocytic white blood cells or phagocytes can perform phagocytosis Phagocytosis is the process by which phagocytic white blood cells engulf and ingest microorganisms or other particles such as cellular debris. Two main types of phagocytes are neutrophils found in blood and macrophages found mainly in interstitial fluid

The Third Line Of Defence

kThe third line of defence is the immune

system. kThe immune system is a specific or targeted defence. It recognises specific pathogens and defence the body against them. kHave you ever had chicken pox? If you had this disease before, chances are you will not get it again.

When an infection occurs, neutrophils and monocytes migrate to the infected area During the migration, the monocytes enlarge and develop into macrophages Phagocyte encounters an invading pathogen ,phagocyte engulfs the pathogen Phatogen is engulfed and drawn inside the phagocyte Enzyme lysozyme kills the pathogen The second line of defence is to prevent or overcome any invasion by pathogens

Immunity means the state in which the body is resistant to infection by a diseasecausing pathogen. If exposed again to particular virus, your body will recognise and destroy that virus before it can trigger symptoms of the illness. Antigens are large complex molecules, normally protein that the immune system recognise as foreign.

Antigens are normally found on the outer surface of an invading microorganism Some antigens are dissolved in the blood plasma or interstitial fluid. Example : Snake venom and bacterial toxin. During an infection, the immune system identifies the antigens invading the body. The antigens induce the lymphocytes to release antibody into the bloodstream to destroy a particular antigen.

Antibodies are proteins found on the surface of lymphocytes, or protein released by lymphocytes into the blood plasma. The interaction between antibody and antigen which result in the antigen being eliminated from the body is known as an immune response.

AGGLUTINATION

Neutralisation

OPSONISATION

Lymphocytes are distributed throughout the body in the blood and lymph. The lymphatic system not only plays a role in returning excess interstitial fluid to the circulatory system. Also help depend the body against invasion by pathogens. When a person has an infection, pathogens and white blood cells collect in great number in the lymph nodes.

The lymph nodes may become swollen. The lymph nodes contain macrophages that destroy bacteria, dead tissue, and other foreign substance by phagocytosis. They also contain lymphocytes that destroy antigens and foreign substances.