1.

Role of the circulatory system in the bodys defence mechanisms

Bodys defence mechanism

Human bodies have three lines of defence against pathogens.

First

line of defence (skin, mucous membrane) Second line of defence (phagocytes) Third line of defence (lymphocytes)

First line of defence

Skin
Acts

as a physical barrier Made up of dead keratinized layer which is difficult to penetrate Sebaceous glands secrete sebum which contain lysozymes to destroy bacteria

First line of defence

Mucous membranes
Mucus

in the nasal cavity trap dust particles and

spores Cilia (respiratory tract) sweep the trapped particles to the pharynx. Gastric juices (in stomach) will killed microorganisms that enter the stomach.

Second line of defence

If the pathogens are able to get past the first line of defence, for example, through a cut in your skin, and an infection develops, the second line of defence becomes active. Some WBC such as neutrophils act as phagocytes. They are attracted by the chemicals produced at the sites of infection. The phagocytes move towards the pathogens and engulf them by phagocytosis.

Third line of defence

Lymphocytes are WBC found in the lymph nodes and in the blood circulatory system. Two types of lymphocytes:
T-lymphocytes
Attack

cells infected by pathogens or Produce certain chemicals to coordinate immune response

B-lymphocytes
Produce

antibodies

Cont.

Antibody protein produced by lymphocytes in response to the presence of an antigen. Antigen foreign substance which stimulates the body to produce an immune response Antibodies are specific in action and promote the destruction of antigens in different ways.

After an infection, some lymphocytes remain in the body as memory cells. Memory lymphocytes help to defend the body against further infection by the same antigen.

Types of immunity

Immunity: the ability of an organism to defend itself against infection by pathogens. Types of immunity:
Active

immunity (natural & artificial) Passive immunity (natural & artificial)

Immunisation: the process by which an individual's immune system becomes fortified against an agent (known as the immunogen).

Types of immunity
Immunity
Active
Own antibodies

Natural
Exposure to infectious agent

Artificial
Immunization

Acquired Passive Immunity

Inherited natural immunity: inherited by individual through the placenta or mothers milk.

Active natural immunity

Active natural acquired immunity: acquired after a person recovers from an infection. Eg; measles or chickenpox.

Natural active immunity

Active artificial immunity

Active artificial acquired immunity: Eg; vaccine (contains killed or weakened antigens). Active because the a/bodies produced by the body itself Artificial because it is obtained through vaccination. the process is known as immunisation.

Artificial active immunity

Passive immunity
1.

2.

Passive natural immunity: when a/bodies from the mother transported across the placenta to the foetus. Lasts for a few months. Passive artificial immunity: injecting serum containing a specific a/bodies prepared from human/animals blood.

Passive artificial immunity

Usually

used to treat patient with serious ill. Eg: rabies, tetanus or snake bites Give temporary immunity.

Difference between passive and active immunity

Artificial passive immunity

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) - Effects on the bodys defence mechanism

AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) is caused by HIV. HIV infects the helper T-cells (important to activate other lymphocytes in the bodys defence mechanisms against disease). Once infected, it takes a long incubation period before the symptoms appear. A persons immune system gradually decrease in function and tend to get infected by secondary infection such as pneumonia, meningitis and fungal diseases. He/she may develop a cancer. Eg: Kaposis sarcoma

Transmission of HIV
There are several possible ways in which the virus can enter. 1. Having sex with an infected partner 2. Injection-drug users who share needles or syringes that are contaminated with blood from an infected person. 3. Women can transmit HIV to their babies during pregnancy or birth, when infected maternal cells enter the baby's circulation, or through breastfeeding. 4. HIV can be spread in health-care settings through accidental needle sticks or contact with contaminated fluids.

Transmission of HIV
5.

6.

Transfusion of contaminated blood or blood components. The virus does not spread through casual contact such as preparing food, sharing towels and bedding, or via swimming pools, telephones, or toilet seats. The virus is also unlikely to be spread by contact with saliva, unless it is contaminated with blood.

Ways to prevent the spread of AIDS

Abstain from sex. Use a condom in other situations. Do not share needles or inject illicit drugs. If you work in a health-care field, follow recommended guidelines for protecting yourself against needle sticks and exposure to contaminated fluids. If you have engaged in risky behaviors, get tested to see if you have HIV. Strict screening of blood before transfusion. Awareness campaign and counseling.

Appreciating a healthy cardiovascular system

1.6

Learning outcomes..

At the end of lesson, you should be able to:

Select

and practice suitable ways to maintain a healthy cardiovascular system.

Risk factors for cardiovascular diseases (CVD)

Cardiovascular diseases share risk factors with other major diseases. Tobacco smoking Poor diet and nutrition Physical inactivity Overweight and obesity High blood pressure High blood cholesterol Diabetes High alcohol consumption

Atherosclerosis

How to take care of healthy cardiovascular system?

Follow a well-balanced diet that is low in saturated fats, cholesterol and salt. Maintain a healthy weight to reduce stress on the heart, blood vessels, and lymph vessels. Participate in regular aerobic exercise for at least 30 minutes three to four times per week. Avoid the use of tobacco products and exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke. Avoid illegal drugs including stimulants, marijuana and ecstasy.