Answer:
The correct answer is E) tears and mucus combine to trap microbes and remove them.
Step-by-step explanation:
The combination of tears and mucus is responsible for protecting the eyes from microbial invasion. Here's a breakdown of the options:
A) Tears contain lysozyme and salt: This statement is true, as tears do contain lysozyme, which has antimicrobial properties, and salt helps create an inhospitable environment for some microbes. However, tears alone cannot effectively trap and remove microbes.
B) A mucus layer traps and removes microbes: This statement is partially true. The mucus layer on the surface of the eye helps trap microbes and other particles, but it doesn't remove them on its own.
C) Tears mechanically flush particles from the eyes: This statement is true. Tears have a flushing action that helps remove foreign particles from the eyes, but they may not be effective at removing microbes on their own.
D) Tears contain lysozyme and salt and mechanically flush particles from the eyes: This statement combines the aspects mentioned in options A and C. Tears do contain lysozyme and salt, and they also have a mechanical flushing action to remove particles. However, it doesn't specifically mention the role of mucus in trapping and removing microbes.
E) Tears and mucus combine to trap microbes and remove them: This statement is the most accurate. Tears and mucus work together to trap microbes and other particles, and then the combined action of blinking and tears helps remove them from the eyes.
Therefore, option E is the correct answer as it encompasses the protective mechanisms of tears and mucus in safeguarding the eyes from microbial invasion.