AQA · Biology · 8461
GCSE Biology: Human defence systems
Infection and response · AQA GCSE Biology (8461), specification point 4.3.1.6. Cards are generated from the exam board's own specification for "Human defence systems", and every card links back to the page it came from. Specification © AQA — used with attribution.
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What is meant by a non-specific defence system?
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A defence that acts against all pathogens in the same way, rather than targeting one particular pathogen.
How does the skin defend the body against pathogens?
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It acts as a physical barrier that pathogens cannot easily pass through.
How does the nose defend the body against pathogens?
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Hairs and mucus in the nose trap pathogens before they reach the lungs.
How do the trachea and bronchi defend against pathogens?
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Mucus traps pathogens and cilia waft the mucus up to the throat, where it is swallowed.
How does the stomach defend the body against pathogens?
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It produces hydrochloric acid, which kills pathogens swallowed in food or mucus.
What does the immune system do when a pathogen enters the body?
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It tries to destroy the pathogen.
Which type of blood cell defends the body against pathogens?
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White blood cells.
What is phagocytosis?
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A white blood cell engulfing and digesting a pathogen.
Why do white blood cells produce antibodies?
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Antibodies bind to a specific pathogen so it can be destroyed.
What is the role of antitoxins produced by white blood cells?
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They neutralise the toxins released by pathogens.
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