Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

21. The Immune System

Physical Barriers in First-Line Defenses: Mucous Membrane

Anatomy & Physiology

21. The Immune System

Physical Barriers in First-Line Defenses: Mucous Membrane

Previous problemNext problem

Problem 7a

Textbook Question

Mark the following statements as true or false. If a statement is false, correct it to make a true statement.
Surface barriers contain substances in their secretions that kill pathogens and deter their growth.

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Understand the concept of surface barriers in the immune system. Surface barriers, such as the skin and mucous membranes, act as the first line of defense against pathogens. They physically block the entry of harmful microorganisms and contain substances that help neutralize or inhibit their growth.

Step 2: Review the substances secreted by surface barriers. These include antimicrobial proteins like lysozyme (found in tears and saliva), defensins (small peptides that disrupt microbial membranes), and acidic secretions (such as stomach acid) that create an inhospitable environment for pathogens.

Step 3: Evaluate the statement: 'Surface barriers contain substances in their secretions that kill pathogens and deter their growth.' Based on the information above, this statement is true because surface barriers do indeed produce secretions with antimicrobial properties.

Step 4: If the statement were false, you would need to correct it by identifying the specific error and providing accurate information. For example, if the statement incorrectly claimed that surface barriers do not contain antimicrobial substances, you would correct it by stating that they do contain substances like lysozyme, defensins, and acidic secretions.

Step 5: Confirm your understanding by summarizing the role of surface barriers in the immune system and the importance of their secretions in preventing infection.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above

Play a video:

Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Surface Barriers

Surface barriers are the first line of defense in the immune system, consisting of physical and chemical structures that prevent pathogen entry. These include the skin and mucous membranes, which act as physical barriers, and secretions like mucus and antimicrobial peptides that provide chemical protection against infections.

Pathogens

Pathogens are microorganisms that can cause disease, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. Understanding the nature of pathogens is crucial for recognizing how surface barriers function to neutralize or inhibit their growth, thereby protecting the body from infections.

Immune Response

The immune response is the body's defense mechanism against pathogens, involving both innate and adaptive immunity. Surface barriers play a critical role in the innate immune response, which provides immediate, non-specific defense, while the adaptive immune response develops over time to target specific pathogens more effectively.

Watch next

Master Mucous Membranes with a bite sized video explanation from Bruce Bryan

Start learning

Related Videos

Related Practice

Textbook Question

Which of the following make up the body's first line of defense?

a. Surface barriers

b. Cells and proteins of adaptive immunity

c. Cells and proteins of innate immunity

d. All of the above

394

views

Multiple Choice

Which physical, nonspecific host defense mechanism is associated with the respiratory tract and trachea?

Besides acting as mechanical barriers, the skin epidermis and mucosae of the body have other attributes that contribute to their protective roles. Cite the common body locations and the importance of mucus, lysozyme, keratin, acid pH, and cilia.

470

views

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is/are a nonspecific barrier defense?

Saliva and lacrimal fluids contain which enzyme that destroys bacteria?

The chemotherapeutic drugs Mr. White is taking affect all cells that undergo rapid mitosis, such as those of the skin. What effect would this have on the functions of the skin? How could this affect his immunity?

429

views

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is/are NOT an innate defense mechanism of the body?

Which of the following is/are NOT a surface barrier to pathogen influx?

1408

views

rank