Question

How does the skin protect the body from pathogens?

Answer 1

Skin as a protective layer:

1. Skin acts as a physical barrier and a protective layer for the body.
2. The outermost layer of skin is keratinized and can not be digested by enzymes.
3. At a regular period, dead skin is removed and microbes on it are also removed.
4. Normally the external surface of the skin is dry so microbes can't grow on it.
5. Microbiota of the skin acts against pathogens and inhibits their growth by producing anti-microbial chemicals.
6. Sebum secreted by sebaceous glands of the skin form a protective layer of skin.