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1.5 The Role of the Circulatory System in the Body’s Defence Mechanism
1. Consists of physical and chemical barriers that prevent pathogens from entering the
body. Example: skin.
2. The outer layer of the skin is tough and provides a physical barrier that is impermeable
to bacteria and viruses.
3. The continual shedding of dead skin cells make it difficult for bacteria to grow on the
skin.
4. The skin also acts as a chemical barrier as it secretes sebum and sweat.
a) Sebum forms a protective film over the skin.
b) Sweat excreted by the skin contains lysozyme, an enzyme capable of breaking down
the cell walls of certain bacteria.
5. Mucous membrane (trachea, respiratory passageway, digestive and urogenital tracts)
secretes mucus that contains lysozyme which traps and destroys bacteria.
a) Mucous membrane of the nose has mucus-coated hairs that trap and filter
microorganisms, dust and pollutants from inhaled air.
b) Tears and saliva contains lysozyme.
6. Stomach secretes hydrochloric acid which destroys microorganisms that are presents in
foods and drinks.
c) some are dissolved in the blood plasma or interstitial fluid. Example: snake venom and
bacterial toxin.
5. Antibodies are proteins found on the surface of lymphocytes.
6. Immune response is the interaction between antibody and antigen which results in the
antigen being eliminated from the body.
Biology Form 5: Chapter 1
7. When a person has an infection, pathogens and white blood cells collect in great
numbers in the lymph nodes which causes the lymph node to swell.
8. The lymph nodes contain macrophages (destroy bacteria, dead tissue and other foreign
substances by phagocytosis) and lymphocytes (destroy antigens and foreign substances).
- Time lag between infection and a full immune response because the body needs time to
make its own antibodies against a particular antigen.
b) Passive immunity
- Body receives antibody from an outside source.
- Naturally acquired passive immunity
i) Occurs when a foetus is still in the uterus.
ii) Maternal antibodies cross the placenta to the foetal bloodstream.
iii) They protect the baby during the first few months after birth.
iv) Babies can also acquire passive immunity from antibodies found in the mother’s milk
or colostrum during breastfeeding.
- Artificially acquired passive immunity
i) Passive immunity involves the injection or transfusion of serum containing antibodies
against the disease.
ii) Example: serum which contains antibodies or antiserum from donor, can be injected
into a person who needs antibodies before he travels to a country in which a disease is
widespread.
iii) These antibodies temporarily protect the person in the event of exposure to the
pathogen that causes the disease.
iv) Effective but only lasts as long as the antibodies remain in the blood, usually for about
three months.
v) Short lived and offers only immediate, short term and temporary protection.
Biology Form 5: Chapter 1
AIDS
1. The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks the immune system.
2. Infection by the HIV results in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
3. AIDS is a condition in which a person who is infected experiences various infections.
4. This is due to the progressive destruction of the immune system cells.
5. The virus reproduces inside the lymphocytes and kills them in the process.
Biology Form 5: Chapter 1