Nonspecific Defenses of the Host

 
Introduction
Skin and Mucous Membranes
Phagocytosis
Inflammation
Antimicrobial Substances:
Complement
Antimicrobial Substances:
Interferons
 

1. Define:

  • Resistance
  • Susceptibility
  • Nonspecific resistance

2. List and differentiate among the:

  • First line of defense
  • Second line of defense
  • Third line of defense

Introduction

The ability to ward off disease through body defenses is called resistance.

Lack of resistance is called susceptibility.

Nonspecific resistance refers to all body defenses that protect the body against any kind of pathogen.

First Line of Defense

i. Skin
ii. Mucous membranes

Second line of defense

i. Inflammation
ii. Phagocytosis
iii. Complement
iv. Interferons
v. Fever

Specific resistance (immunity) refers to defenses (antibodies) against specific microorganisms.

Third line of defense

i. Immunity

 

 
Introduction
Skin and Mucous Membranes
Phagocytosis
Inflammation
Antimicrobial Substances:
Complement
Antimicrobial Substances:
Interferons