Activity 1

ORPILLA, Sandylene C.

ORPILLA, Sandylene C.

by Sandylene Orpilla -
Number of replies: 0

1) Briefly describe the process of inflammation in an area that has been traumatized.

The body's non-specific response of defense to tissue damage is inflammation. Inflammation or an attempt will be made to eliminate any bacteria, toxins, or foreign objects from the injury site or traumatized area to hinder the migration of these substances to other tissues and to prepare for tissue repair with the intent of reestablishing tissue homeostasis. 

Three fundamental phases comprise the inflammatory response: 

  1. In an area where tissue has been injured, blood vessels immediately undergo two changes: vasodilation of arterioles, enabling more blood to flow through the damaged area, and increased permeability of capillaries, enabling defensive proteins like clotting factors and antibodies to reach the area of injury from the bloodstream. 

  2. Phagocytic emigration relies on chemotaxis. As a significant volume of blood builds up, neutrophils adhere to the blood vessel's endothelium and begin to push their way through to the damaged area. Through phagocytosis, neutrophils attempt to eliminate the invasive microorganisms. More cells are produced and released from red bone marrow, ensuring a constant supply of neutrophils. 

  3. Tissue repair will eventually take place.  

 

2) Choose one type of Immunity (Innate and Humoral) and explain how its mechanism protects our body.

The immune system is comprised of two main defense mechanisms:  adaptive immunity, involving particular recognition of a microbe once it has gotten through the innate immunity defenses, and innate immunity, which exists from birth and acts against all microbes in the same way. Innate (nonspecific) immunity is made up of the skin's and mucous membranes' external barriers of chemical and physical nature as well as several internal defenses like phagocytes, natural killer cells, antimicrobial substances, inflammation, and fever. 

The First Line of Defense: the skin and mucous membranes. To prevent pathogens and foreign objects from entering the body and causing disease, these structures offer both chemical and physical barriers. 

    1. The physical components of this line of defense include the epidermis, which serves as an external barrier to microbe entry. Though less effective than intact skin, mucous membranes prevent the entry of microorganisms as well. In the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts, mucus traps germs; in the nose, hairs filter out dust and germs; and in the upper respiratory tract, mucus and cilia work together to trap and eliminate germs and dust. Tears that dilute and remove irritating substances and microbes are produced by the lacrimal apparatus. Microbes are removed from the mouth's mucous membranes and tooth surfaces by saliva. Urine's ability to clean the urethra prevents microbes from colonizing the urinary system. Microbes are also expelled during vomiting and defecation.

    2. The chemical components that support the skin's and mucous membranes' strong defense against microbial invasion include: The oily substance known as sebum, which is secreted by the skin's sebaceous (oil) glands, creates a protective layer over the skin's surface and stops some harmful bacteria and fungi from growing. Sweating assists the skin's surface in eliminating microorganisms. Many bacteria and the majority of bacterial toxins are eliminated from the stomach by gastric juice, a concoction of enzymes, mucus, and hydrochloric acid. A further factor that inhibits bacterial growth is the slight acidity of vaginal secretions.

The Second Line of Defense: Internal Defense is faced by pathogens traversing the physical and chemical barriers of the skin and mucous membranes. This comprises the following: (1) internal antimicrobial agents that suppress the growth of microorganisms; (2) phagocytes that consume foreign particles; (3) natural killer cells that kill infected target cells by releasing granules containing perforin and granzymes; (4) inflammation that encloses and eliminates microbes and starts the healing process of tissue; and (5) fever that amplifies the effects of interferons, suppresses the growth of some bacteria, and quickens the body's healing processes.