Non-specific defence systems

• Nonspecific defense system


  The body's first line of defense against pathogens, preventing them from entering the body
• Parts of the nonspecific defense system


  • Skin
  • Nose and hairs/mucus
  • Cilia in trachea and bronchi
  • Stomach acid
• Skin


  • Forms a protective layer covering the body
  • Outer layer of dead cells difficult for pathogens to penetrate
  • Produces sebum which can kill bacteria
  • Can scab over when damaged to prevent pathogen entry
• Nose and mucus


  • Traps pathogens before they enter the breathing system
• Cilia in trachea and bronchi


  • Covered in mucus which traps pathogens and wafts the mucus upwards towards the throat to be swallowed
• Stomach acid


  • Kills pathogens before they can make their way further down the digestive system
• Even with the nonspecific defense systems, pathogens can still get into the human body and cause serious disease
• The immune system is another system that protects the body from pathogens