Nonspecific defenses
Keep everything out and guard against all infections. Skin, sweat, mucas, tears
Nonspecific defenses are the innate protective mechanisms that the body has in place to defend against foreign invaders such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites. These defenses are called nonspecific because they do not have the ability to recognize or target specific pathogens and are meant to work against any type of pathogen that enters the body. Here are some examples of nonspecific defenses:
1) Physical barriers: The skin and mucous membranes serve as physical barriers to prevent the entry of pathogenic organisms. The skin is tough and thick, and the mucous membranes secrete mucus that traps pathogens and prevents them from entering the body.
2) Chemical barriers: The body produces chemicals that inhibit or kill microorganisms. Examples of chemical defenses include enzymes in tears that destroy bacteria and low pH in the stomach that kills swallowed pathogens.
3) Inflammation: Inflammation is a response of the body to tissue injury, infection, or irritation. It involves the release of chemicals that attract white blood cells to the site of infection to engulf and destroy the invading organisms.
4) Fever: A fever is a rise in body temperature that occurs in response to infection. It is thought to enhance the activity of white blood cells, slow the growth of bacteria, and increase the efficiency of other immune defenses.
5) Phagocytosis: Certain white blood cells, called phagocytes, engulf and destroy pathogens that invade the body.
Overall, these nonspecific defenses provide an important first line of defense against pathogens and are essential for maintaining optimal health and preventing infections.
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