Tag: diseases and immunity

The skin and the surface of mucous membranes act as an anatomical barrier and prevent the entry of microorganisms inside the body. The skin maintains the pH about 3 to 5 which retards the growth of microbes and mucous entraps foreign microorganisms and cilia propel microbes out of the body. Thus they prevent the entry of microorganisms. Hence, the correct answer is 'All of the above'.

Parathyroid gland regulates calcium levels in the body. It produces a hormone called parathyroid hormone (PTH). PTH raises the blood calcium level by bone desorption leading to calcium release when the blood calcium level is too low. Another way that parathyroid hormone works is by increasing the body's ability to absorb calcium from food and also increasing the kidney's ability to hold on to calcium that would otherwise be lost in the urine. , PTH is released to bring the calcium level back to normal.  so, the correct answer is option C.

Phagocytosis is the process of ingestion of extracellular particulate material from environment. It is conducted by some specialized cells called the phagocytes. The blood cells, monocytes, neutrophils and macrophages are all phagocytes. Hence, the correct answer is 'All of the above'.

Gastric secretion starts with the stomach responds to the mere sight, smell, taste, or thought of food which process starts in the cerebrum. These sensory and mental inputs converge on the hypothalamus, which relays signals to the medulla oblongata. Vagus nerve fibres from the medulla stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system of the stomach which, in turn, stimulates gastric secretion.

The second line of defense is the non-specific responses. They are generalized responses to pathogen infection, they do not target a specific cell type. The non-specific response consists of some WBCs and plasma proteins and the following factors:

Erythropoietin (EPO), is a glycoprotein cytokine secreted by the kidney. It helps in the formation of red blood cells by the bone marrow. The kidney cells that make EPO are specialized and are sensitive to low oxygen levels in the blood coming into the kidney. After being released into the blood stream it binds with receptors in the bone marrow, where it stimulates the production of red blood cells (erythrocytes). Medically, EPO is used to treat certain forms of anemia. So, the correct answer is option D.

The immune response is how our body recognizes and defends itself against bacteria, viruses and other harmful diseases. They are also triggered by antigens. The parts involved in elicitation of immune responses are Spleen, thymus, lymph nodes, bone marrow and white blood cells.

The infection is a state in which the immune system is weak to fight against the pathogen. The infection can be prevented by maintaining a healthy population. The proper food will provide nutrients which make the body strong and healthy. This allows more production of immune cells to fight the infection. The healthy population are less likely to acquire the diseases and there will be less chances of epidemics.