Physiological barriers are natural defense mechanisms that protect the body from harmful substances and pathogens by preventing their entry or neutralizing them. These barriers include physical structures like skin and mucous membranes, as well as biochemical factors such as enzymes and acidic environments.

Physiological Barrier

Physiological barriers

Natural Defense Mechanisms

Harmful substances

Pathogens are microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, that cause diseases in their hosts. Understanding the mechanisms of infection and transmission is crucial for developing effective prevention and treatment strategies.

Pathogens

Entry prevention

Neutralizing substances

Physical structures

The skin is the largest organ of the human body, serving as a protective barrier against environmental hazards, regulating temperature, and providing sensory information. It consists of three main layers: the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis, each with distinct functions and cellular compositions.

Skin

Mucous membranes are protective linings found in various body cavities that are exposed to the external environment, such as the respiratory, digestive, and urogenital tracts. They secrete mucus, which helps to trap pathogens and particles, providing a crucial barrier and immune defense mechanism for the body.

Mucous Membranes

Biochemical Factors

Enzymes are biological catalysts that accelerate chemical reactions in living organisms by lowering the activation energy required for the reaction. They are highly specific to their substrates and operate under optimal conditions of temperature and pH to maintain efficient metabolic processes.

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