Topic Summaries

Non-specific immunity

GCSE > Biology > Eduqas > GCSE Biology Topic Summaries > Pathogens and non-specific immunity > Non-specific immunity
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Science skills: Measuring results

  • Humans have non-specific defence systems to prevent pathogens from entering the body:
    • Skin: forms a physical barrier to prevent pathogens from entering the body, secretes antimicrobial compounds to kill pathogens, and sheds dead surface skin, which removes pathogens.
    • Tears and saliva: contain antibacterial lysozymes, which break down bacterial cell walls.
    • Nose: contains hairs acting as a filter, preventing large particles from passing through and producing sticky mucus that traps pathogens and is removed when you blow your nose.
    • Trachea and bronchi: lined with ciliated cells and goblet cells to prevent pathogens from entering the lungs. Goblet cells produce mucus to trap pathogens and cilia (tiny hair-like projections) rhythmically beat the mucus up the airway to the back of the throat where it is swallowed.
    • Stomach: contains hydrochloric acid, which destroys swallowed pathogens.

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