Body defense mechanisms Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Body defense mechanisms - Essay Example Innate immune system does not have any specialized cells but uses other cells to identify threats like bacteria, react to infections, and provide means of clearing the infections from the body. The system however switches on other immune systems in an antigen presentation method. This function is carried out by special white blood cells. Innate body mechanism forms a physical and chemical barrier that protects the body (Janeway, Travers, Walport, & Shlomchik, 2001). In contrast, adaptive immune system is found in vertebrates only and comprises of highly specialized cells. Also known as the acquired immune system, the system prevents growth of pathogens through the use of systemic cells. Adaptive immune system acts as a memory system, reacting to a similar infection when incited. Adaptive system is acquired through various ways like immunization. As opposed to innate system whose reaction is in the germline, adaptive system is developed throughout life through reactions to specific infections that create pathogen-specific receptors. The system acquires it name; adaptive immune system, through its ability to enable the body to react to future similar infections. Adaptive immune system is enabled by genetic mutation which occurs in all cells of the body giving it more awareness and reactionary strength to fight infections (Janeway, Travers, Walport, & Shlomchik, 2001). Primary innate body defense mechanism include; inflammation, mucous clearance, physical and chemical barriers. Inflammation involves cutting blood supply to the infected area, walling off the pathogens, and forming fibrous tissue of the area among others. Mucous clearance provides coverage of the epithelial layer of the trachea. Physical barriers like the skins functions like barriers when they are not infected. When the skin is intact, it provides one of the best barriers to infections. Nose hairs filter out particles or any other substances that the body