Question

The skin prevents pathogen entry because

• A. Living cells of the skin’s outer layer prevents pathogen entry
• B. Skin secretes oil by a sudoriferous gland that makes the surface acidic
• C. Skin secretes sweat by a sebaceous gland that makes the surface acidic
• D. Dead cells layer is present on the epidermis of the skin

Answer 1

The correct option is D Dead cells layer is present on the epidermis of the skin

Skin is impermeable to most infecting agents due to the presence of the stratum corneum layer (epidermis). It has many thin layers of dead cells which act as a strong barrier for the entry of microorganisms.

Skin also has certain secretory glands whose secretions prevents the growth of microorganisms. Sweat is secreted by sudoriferous glands whereas sebaceous glands secrete oil. Secretion of both glands maintains the acidic pH level of the skin.