Describe the natural defenses of the skin that prevent many infections of this area

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

In general, the skin is an inhospitable environment for the growth of most microbes. It is salty (salt is left behind as sweat evaporates from the skin) and covered with sebum, a lipid produced by sebaceous glands of the skin that contains a variety of antimicrobial chemicals. The outer layer of skin is also composed primarily of dead, dry skin cells that provide little nourishment or protection for microbes. These skin cells are continually being sloughed off, making it difficult for microbes to attach to invade the skin. Dendritic cells are present in the outer layers of the skin, where these phagocytic cells can attack invaders of the epidermis. Finally, a wide variety of normal skin microbiota have adapted to the adverse conditions of the skin and compete with potential invaders for nutrients and space.
Bloom's Taxonomy: Application
Section: Structure of the Skin
Learning Outcome: 19.1