How many of the below are examples of physiological barriers?
Acid of the stomach, Skin, Saliva, Mucus membranes, Tears, InterferonsPhysiological barriers include the chemicals secreted by the skin and internal organs which help in inhibiting/disposing the pathogens from the body. The pH of the body fluids and lysozymes in saliva and tears are examples of physiological barriers. Most of the microorganisms prefer a particular pH (nearly neutral pH) for their multiplication and metabolic activities. Acidic (HCl in stomach - pH 1. 8, Saliva - pH 6.8) or alkaline pH (pancreatic juice - pH 7.8) of body secretions interfere with microbial multiplication and growth.
Lysozyme acts on the peptidoglycan layer of the bacterial cell wall and destroys it, which results in the leakage of contents from the cells and leads to death.
Thus, in the above given list, the physiological barriers include acid of the stomach, saliva and tears.