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In what ways does innate immunity protect the mammalian digestive tract?
To review: The ways to protect the mammalian digestive tract by the innate immunity.
Concept introduction:
Innate immunity is the natural immunity present in all animals. It is the primary defense mechanism.
Explanation of Solution
Innate immunity has two major defense mechanisms. They are barrier defense and internal defense. Barrier defense consists of skin, mucous membrane, and secretions. Internal defense consists of phagocytic cells, natural killer cells, inflammatory response, and antimicrobial proteins. Barrier defense stops the entry of pathogens into the host. Internal defense recognizes the pathogens, engulf them, and destroy them.
In mammalian digestive tract, the salivary secretion contains an enzyme called lysozyme. Lysozyme enzyme degenerates the bacterial cell wall. The mucus secreted by the digestive tract helps in trapping the bacteria. The stomach secretes HCl; hence, the gastric juice will be acidic in nature. This acidic nature of gastric juice destroys all the bacteria. The cells are tightly packed and prevent the entry of pathogen. This also provides a physical barrier to the pathogens.
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Chapter 43 Solutions
Campbell Biology & Alkaline Vents Supplemental Materials for Campbell Biology & Mastering Biology with Pearson eText -- ValuePack Access Card -- for Campbell Biology Package
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Human Biology (MindTap Course List)BiologyISBN:9781305112100Author:Cecie Starr, Beverly McMillanPublisher:Cengage Learning