Sterile Procedures
LESSON 1: Communicable Diseases
1-6
1-6. BODY DEFENSES
The body incorporates certain defenses against the invasion of pathogens causing infection.
a. Skin. The skin is the first line of defense since most pathogens cannot enter unbroken skin.
b. Phagocyte. Another line of defense is phagocyte cells such as white blood cells. These cells engulf pathogens and absorb them. Phagocytes increase in numbers at the site of infection.
c. Immune Substances. Still another line of defense is the development by the body of antibodies and antitoxins. Because pathogens are foreign substances, the body reacts and destroys them by producing immune bodies. All patients vulnerable to gross infection or infectious diseases, particularly tetanus, should receive indicated prophylactic doses of antibiotics and immunizing agents.
d. Lymphatic System. The lymphatic system also defends the body against invading pathogens. The lymph acts like a washing machine for the body. It cleanses the body tissues. Lymph flows into the tubules and glands that act as filters and strains the invaders.
e. Factors Which Lesson Body Defenses. Several factors that may be present in combat casualties tend to lessen body defenses. They include wound injuries, chilling, exposure, fatigue, and malnutrition.
