Question

Mention the type of immunological barrier to which skin belongs.
a. Anatomical barrier
b. Physiological barrier
c. Phagocytic barrier
d. Inflammatory barrier

Answer 1

Hint: Immunological barriers are formed by the lung, gut, and skin. The entry of allergens, various air and foodborne pathogens, and other environmental pollutants takes place through these organs. There are four different types of immunological barriers such as anatomical barrier, physiological barrier, Phagocytic barrier, and inflammatory barrier. Barriers provide defense against pathogens and protect the body from infections.

Complete answer:
- The type of immunological barrier to which skin belongs is an anatomical barrier. Anatomical barriers act as the first line of defense as they provide the first and primary protection to skin from infection.
- They prevent the entry of microbes into the body.
- Examples of anatomical barriers are the skin, mucous membrane, and bony encasements.
- Physiological barriers are the body such as body pH, temperature, and bacteriolytic lysozyme in tears, saliva, and other secretions.
- In phagocytic barriers, phagocytic cells kill most of the bacteria that enter into the host.
- Phagocytic cells are such as monocytes, macrophages, and neutrophils.
- The inflammatory barrier prevents tissue damage caused by toxic microorganisms or toxins.

Hence, the correct answer is option (A).

Additional information:
- The first barrier to the entry of microbes into the body is the skin.
- Lysozymes present in the tears kill the microorganisms by their acidic nature.
- Mucus is produced by a mucous membrane that traps microbes.
- Acidic pH in the stomach and female urogenital tract prevents bacterial growth.

Note: Both the types of immune response innate and acquired immune responses are provided by the immune system. Immunological barriers prevent the entry and colonization of microbes into the body and thus protect the body from various infections. Skin acts as the first line of defense. Acidic pH in the stomach and urinary tract inhibits the growth of bacteria. Lysozymes present in the tears kill the microorganisms. Phagocytic cells prevent the entry of microbes into the body by killing them.