Fighting Disease

• What is the first non-specific defense system against pathogens?

  Skin
• How does the skin protect against pathogens?

  It acts as a barrier and secretes antimicrobial substances
• What is the role of the trachea and bronchi in defense against pathogens?

  Mucus traps pathogens, cilia waft it up
• What happens to mucus in the trachea and bronchi?

  Mucus traps pathogens and is wafted up
• What is the function of the nose in pathogen defense?

  Hairs and mucus trap particles containing pathogens
• How does the stomach defend against pathogens?

  Hydrochloric acid kills pathogens
• What is the first way white blood cells attack pathogens?

  Phagocytosis
• What occurs during phagocytosis?

  A pathogen is engulfed and digested
• What do white blood cells produce to attack pathogens with antigens?

  Antibodies specific to the pathogen
• How do antibodies function against pathogens?

  They attack all copies of the pathogen in the body
• What is the third way white blood cells attack pathogens?

  Producing antitoxins
• What do antitoxins do?

  They counteract toxins produced by bacteria
• What is the purpose of vaccination?

  To reduce the spread of pathogens
• How does vaccinating a large population help others?

  It reduces the spread of pathogens
• What type of pathogens are used in vaccinations?

  Dead or inactive pathogens
• What happens when live pathogens of the same kind enter the body after vaccination?

  They are quickly recognized and attacked by antibodies
• What are the four non-specific defense systems against pathogens?

  1. Skin: barrier and antimicrobial secretion
  2. Nose: hairs and mucus trap pathogens
  3. Trachea and bronchi: mucus traps, cilia waft
  4. Stomach: hydrochloric acid kills pathogens
• What are the three ways white blood cells attack pathogens?

  1. Phagocytosis: engulfing and digesting pathogens
  2. Producing antibodies: specific to pathogens
  3. Producing antitoxins: counteracting bacterial toxins
• How does vaccination work to protect individuals?

  • Vaccination introduces dead/inactive pathogens
  • Triggers antibody production
  • Prepares immune system for future exposure
  • Reduces overall spread of disease