Barriers
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Barriers (medicine)
Barriers (pronunciation: /ˈbær.i.ər/) in the context of medicine, refer to physical or non-physical structures or mechanisms that prevent or control the spread of disease, or the entry and exit of substances in the body. The term is derived from the Old French barriere, meaning 'obstacle' or 'boundary'.
Types of Barriers
There are several types of barriers in the human body, including:
- Physical Barriers: These are physical structures in the body that prevent the entry of foreign substances. Examples include the skin, mucous membranes, and the blood-brain barrier.
- Chemical Barriers: These are substances produced by the body that can neutralize or destroy foreign substances. Examples include stomach acid, enzymes in tears and skin oils, and substances in body secretions that can destroy bacteria.
- Biological Barriers: These are living organisms in the body that compete with harmful organisms, preventing them from establishing a foothold. Examples include the normal flora of the skin, mouth, gut, and vagina.
- Immunological Barriers: These are components of the immune system that identify and destroy foreign substances. Examples include the cells and mechanisms of the innate and adaptive immune systems.
Related Terms
- Innate Immunity: The body's first line of defense against disease, involving physical, chemical, and biological barriers, as well as the cells and mechanisms of the innate immune system.
- Adaptive Immunity: The body's second line of defense, involving the cells and mechanisms of the adaptive immune system, which can "learn" and adapt to specific pathogens.
- Blood-Brain Barrier: A physical barrier between the brain's blood vessels (capillaries) and the cells and other components that make up brain tissue.
- Mucous Membrane: A layer of epithelial tissue that lines various cavities in the body and covers the surface of internal organs. It secretes mucus, which is a viscous fluid.
- Normal Flora: The millions of bacteria and other microorganisms that live on and inside our bodies, which can act as biological barriers.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Barriers
- Wikipedia's article - Barriers
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