BIOL 2420 Lecture Notes - Lecture 17: Complement Membrane Attack Complex, Acute-Phase Protein, Innate Immune System
15 Nov 2016
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Document Summary
The outer surface of the skin consists of dead cells and protective protein called keratin. The layers of the skin are frequently shed which removes microbes. Skin is very dry which inhibits microbial growth. Skin infections are more common on moist areas of the skin or in moist environments. The other layer of the skin is an excellent defense and is rarely penetrated by microbes. Most infections occur under the skin once the skin has been broken although fungi can sometimes grow on the skins surface: eating dead skin cells. Some microbes are able to eat dead skin cells and oils that are secreted by the skin. Bacteria growing on armpit: mucous membranes. These membranes are involved in fluid exchange. They offer less protection than the skin. Mucous membranes line tracts ofthe digestive, reproductive, urine, and respiratory tracts. Goblet cells secrete mucous which is glycoprotein that keeps the membrane from drying and cracking. Cilia then moves mucous containing microbes away.
