BIOS 242 Week 5 Discussion 1 – Innate Immunity
Discussion 1:
Individuals with third-degree burns are particularly vulnerable to infection. Can you
... [Show More] speculate about why this is so?
Answer
Third degree burns are the worst burns. They cause the most damage extending through every layer of the skin and also damage underlying bones, muscles, and tendons. Third degree burns carry the risk of infections as bacteria can enter the broken skin. The skin provides primary protection against infection bt acting as a physical barrier. When this barrier is damaged, pathogens have a direct route to infiltrate the body, possibly resulting in infection.
2.)
Q.)
Let's make sure that you have a clear understanding that the skin is the first line of defense the body has against pathogens, everyone.
We know that mucous membranes are also a first line of defense and can be found in the respiratory and reproductive systems. What are stem cells and what does undifferentiated cells mean?
A.)
A stem cell means an undifferentiated cell of a multicellular organism which is capable of giving rise to indefinitely more cells of the same type, and from which certain other kinds of cell arise by differentiation. Since stem cells have the ability to turn into various other types of cells, scientists believe that they can be useful for treating and understanding diseases. According to the Mayo Clinic, stem cells can be used to grow new cells in a laboratory to replace damaged organs or tissues, correct parts of organs that don’t work properly, research causes of genetic defects in cells, research how diseases occur or why certain cells develop into cancer cells, test new drugs for safety and effectiveness Unlike the undifferentiated cell, which is, a primordial cell that has not assumed the morphologic and functional characteristics it will later acquire. Which is basically a blank stem cell that has not assumed a purpose yet.
3.)
Q.)
Why are smokers more prone to respiratory infections? Apply structures that we are studying this week in the textbook.
A.)
Since smokers have decreased immunity because of the aging of their immune system caused by inflammation, they are more prone to respiratory infections. In fact, smoking is a primary cause of premature aging of the lungs and emphysema. Cigarette smoke inhibits the ability of your breathing tubes to clear secretions. Emphysema occurs when the air sacs in the lungs die. In addition, it's more difficult for such infections to clear up, as cigarette smoking increases carbon monoxide in the blood and decreases oxygen going to the heart, lung, and other tissues. [Show Less]