Question

In the context of the skin as one of our first-line innate defense mechanisms, describe three ways by which the skin resists infection.

Answer 1

The skin resists infection through a physical barrier of dead cells, chemical secretions that create an acidic environment and contain antimicrobial peptides, and a microbiome that competes with pathogens.

Step-by-step explanation:

How the Skin Resists Infection as a First-Line Innate Defense Mechanism

The skin serves as one of our first-line innate defense mechanisms against infectious agents. It establishes mechanical, chemical, and biological barriers that are crucial for resisting infection in several ways:

• The physical barrier provided by the skin consists of multiple layers, including a layer of dead, keratinized epithelial cells that are continuously shed. This process removes microbes that may be on the skin's surface.
• Chemical secretions, such as sweat and sebum, maintain an acidic environment that is inhospitable to many pathogens. Moreover, sweat contains antimicrobial peptides like dermicidin, which helps deter microbes.
• The skin's microbiome includes beneficial microorganisms that outcompete potential pathogens for nutrients and space, thus acting as a biocompatible shield.

These mechanisms illustrate the skin's role in the innate immune system, representing the body's non-specific first line of defense against pathogens.