Non-specific immune response

• How does skin protect against infection?

  • Physical barrier
  • Has keratin - prevents entry of pathogens
  • Skin flora outcompete pathogens for resources (space + nutrients)
  • So pathogens cant establish themselves
• How does gut protect against infection?

  • Gut flora outcompetes pathogens for resources (space + nutrients)
  • Some produce lactic acid, lowers pH
  • Kills pathogens
  • Makes conditions unfavourable for pathogens
• How does stomach acid protect against infection?

  • Low pH
  • Kills pathogens before they reach small intestines
• How does airways protect against infection?

  • Mucus lining in airways produced by goblet cells
  • Trap pathogens
  • Cilia beat in a wave like motion
  • Move mucus to back of mouth
  • Swallowed
  • Pathogens killed in stomach acid