Germs are found everywhere. We are often surrounded by all kinds of bacteria, viruses as well as fungi in our daily lives. Though some of these germs seem to be perfectly harmless, a substantial of them can wreak havoc on the body. Therefore, as a result, we have parts of our body designed to protect us from the attacking pathogens. Physical and biochemical barriers are the bodies first and outermost defense mechanism. They include the skin, hair, and nails. Since most microorganisms require moisture to replicate, most pathogens are often unable to thrive on this barriers. The barriers are also low in temperature with high salt content and acidic in nature. Their resident micro flora also fights foreigners from invading the body (Fowler et al., 2016).
Inflammatory responses happen when damaged cells release chemicals such as histamine and prostaglandins. This often occurs after an injury caused by heat, bacteria, trauma, or any other agent breaches into the body system. The inflammation or swellings are caused by leakage of fluid from the blood vessels into the tissues. The body cells coordinate to destroy the foreign cells or infection, and then the symptoms of inflammation subside as the tissues are repaired (Fowler et al., 2016).
Delegate your assignment to our experts and they will do the rest.
Cellular immunity is carried out by thymus-derived small lymphocytes or T helper cells. They maximize the efficiency of the immune system by activating, mobilizing and directing other immune cells into action. These other immune cells include B cells and T-killer cells. T helper cells are commonly known as CD4+ cells. Humoral immunity, on the other hand, is facilitated by mucous, yellow bile, black bile, and blood. An imbalance tends to occur if any of this humours results in illness. These humours facilitate the travel and delivery of antibodies. They include defenses against bacteria, viruses, toxins, allergies and parasites (Sompayrac, 2016).
While all these components are necessary, physical barriers such as the skin play the largest role in preventing illnesses. Furthermore, the skin is the largest organ on body. When a part of this barrier is broken, then it is much easier for infections to enter and multiply. An example is the amount of treatment that is required to keep a burn victim healthy and free of diseases. The best way to boost your immunity is to take good care of your skin. This provides the greatest protection against pathogens.
References
Fowler, S., Roush, R., Wise, J., OpenStax College., & Rice University. (2016). Concepts of Biology. Houston, Texas: Openstax, Rice University Press.
Sompayrac, L. (2016). How the immune system works. Oxford: John Wiley Sons, Ltd.
