Protective mechanisms of the body

Publication date: Available online 1 February 2020Source: Anaesthesia & Intensive Care MedicineAuthor(s): Clemente Chia, Jason McClureAbstractThe skin and mucous membranes are the body's first line of defence against infection. The surface of the skin is acidic and inhibits the growth of organisms, and the openings to the various body cavities (respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract, genitourinary tract) are lined with mucous membranes which trap bacteria and other particles. The body's outer surfaces produce chemicals which are bactericidal, skin is shed and membranes expectorate mucous in order to expel pathogens. Commensals, or non-pathogenic bacteria, further inhibit growth by competing for space and nutrients on the body's skin and mucous membrane linings. The next layer of defence is the lymphatic system, situated superficially just below the body surfaces, which drains by regional lymph nodes.
Source: Anaesthesia and intensive care medicine - Category: Anesthesiology Source Type: research