Non-Specific Defence systems

• Nonspecific defense system


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

  • Skin
  • Nose and mucus
  • Trachea and bronchi with cilia
  • Stomach acid
• Skin


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


  • Contains hair and mucus to trap pathogens before they enter the breathing system
• Trachea and bronchi


  • Covered with tiny hair-like structures called cilia
  • Cilia are covered in mucus and move pathogens upwards towards the throat to be swallowed
• Stomach


  • Contains hydrochloric acid that kills pathogens before they can enter the digestive system further
• Even with the nonspecific defense systems, pathogens can still get into the human body and cause serious disease
• The immune system is the body's second line of defense against pathogens