Question

When the first, simple line of defense, the 2nd line, the ______________________________ defenses take over. This is where your body calls up maneuvers like a _____________________, chemical defenses, or inflammation.

Answer 1

When the body's primary barriers are breached, the second line of defense, consisting of the innate immune response, takes over, employing phagocytic leukocytes, inflammation, and chemical defenses to combat invading pathogens.

Step-by-step explanation:

When the first, simple line of defense is breached, the second line of defense, the innate immune response, takes over. This includes the activation of phagocytosis by nonspecific leukocytes, which is part of your body's innate immune system.

The body's first line of defense consists of mechanical, chemical, and biological barriers, such as the skin, mucous membranes, and helpful bacteria, which work to prevent pathogen invasion. However, if pathogens manage to penetrate these barriers, the second line of defense begins. This response involves various strategies, including the inflammatory response, which creates a physical barrier against the spread of infection, and the repair of tissue damage. Another crucial component is the production and release of chemicals like cytokines and histamines, which cause the symptoms of inflammation, such as swelling, redness, and warmth. Additional components include the complement system, which disrupts pathogen cell membranes, and a variety of specialized cells that act rapidly to address the infection.