The Body’s Defenses
How the body works to keep itself protected and healthy
Pathogens are bacteria, viruses or other microorganisms that cause disease
(Don’t forget - not all bacteria are bad, we need certain bacteria)
Gmad at openclipart.org
Our body wants to keep pathogens OUT!!!
How does it do this?
Skin is a major defense!
CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=672435
Skin keeps *most* pathogens outside your body
CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=672435
If you cut your skin, pathogens can get in.
This is why you must wash and care for cuts
http://www.wikihow.com/Heal-Cuts-Quickly-(Using-Easy,-Natural-Items)
Many areas of your body are not covered in skin, pathogens can get inside your body through these places
eyes
ears
mouth
nose
and your private areas
But all these areas have their own defenses...
eyes
ears
mouth
nose
and your private areas
Like - mucus helps trap germs!
Saliva and tears have special chemical which can break down pathogens
GDJ on openclipart.org
Eaxwax helps keep pathogens out of our ears
From Michigan Health, http://healthblog.uofmhealth.org/wellness-prevention/why-you-really-shouldnt-use-a-q-tip-to-clean-your-ears
Go easy on the Q-tips!
Inside your body you also have a complex immune system
By NIAID - Human B Lymphocyte, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=50890467; By Volker Brinkmann - (November 2005). "Neutrophil engulfing Bacillus anthracis". PLoS Pathogens 1 (3): Cover page. DOI:10.1371. Retrieved on 2009-01-04., CC BY 2.5, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2107792
Special cells in the blood attack pathogens
By NIAID - Human B Lymphocyte, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=50890467; By Volker Brinkmann - (November 2005). "Neutrophil engulfing Bacillus anthracis". PLoS Pathogens 1 (3): Cover page. DOI:10.1371. Retrieved on 2009-01-04., CC BY 2.5, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2107792
This is a “phagocyte” (yellow) eating a bacteria (red)
By NIAID - Human B Lymphocyte, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=50890467; By Volker Brinkmann - (November 2005). "Neutrophil engulfing Bacillus anthracis". PLoS Pathogens 1 (3): Cover page. DOI:10.1371. Retrieved on 2009-01-04., CC BY 2.5, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2107792
Review what your body can do!
Talk to your neighbor about areas where pathogens can enter your body, and how your body fights pathogens!