Question

What are the nonspecific and specific defenses that your body uses to protect itself against invading pathogens?

Answer 1

Answer: Innate Immunity

Explanation: Innate immunity is the general and nonspecific immunity that your body possesses to fight various diseases. It comprises defense barriers such as the skin, hair, sebum, saliva, neutrophils, monocytes, and other enzymes that immediately detect and destroy the pathogens. It's a rapid response system that acts as the first line of defense against infections. You're born with the components of the innate immunity, and it can't be learned, created, or produced, hence the name “innate.” Since bacteria and viruses multiply quickly, innate immunity is crucial in providing protection until the second line of defense, or adaptive immunity, starts involving in the process. In addition to providing the first line of defense against disease-causing microorganisms, the innate immune system activates, directs, and instructs components of the adaptive immunity. It also regulates inflammation and maintains equilibrium among various immune system processes... PF

Answer 2

Non specific defense systems of the body are also known as innate immunity. In innate immunity, physical barriers which include use of chemical substances are used to protect the body from invading pathogens. These barriers include: (1) The intact skin- the skin is made up of keratin which makes the skin very tough and resistant. Pathogens usually cannot penetrate unless the skin gets broken. (2) Mucus membranes- they form a protective lining inside many organs and other parts of the body e.g. the trachea. Mucus secreted by these membranes trap bacteria and other harmful microorganisms which are then expelled from the body. (3) Tears- tears from our eyes contain lysozyme, a chemical substance which kills bacteria. Specific immunity, also called acquired immunity on the other hand uses biological actions to protect the body, namely: (1) Antibodies- these are produced by B- lymphocyte cells of the immune system. Antibodies bind to specific pathogens and neutralize them and facilitate their destruction by other molecules of the immune system. (2) Phagocytes- these are mostly T- lymphocyte cells of the immune system which recognize pathogens and kill them by engulfing them.