Phases of phagocytosis

  1. Arrival of phagocytes in the infected area (Infection): Chemicals such as histamine, kinin, prostaglandin are produced in the infected area of ​​the body. Due to these chemicals, phagocyte cells (macrophages and neutrophils) are stimulated and accumulate at the wound site. This process is called chemotaxis.
  2. Adherence to microbes: Phagocyte cell membrane contains receptor material. Phagocytes attach to microbes with the help of receptor substances.
  3. Germ eating (Ingestion): Phagocytes surround the germs by making passageways. The cavity formed in it is called phagosome. Phagocytes ingest microbes by forming phagosomes.
  4. Formation of phagolysosome (Phagolysome): Phagosomes are located individually in the cytoplasm of the cell. Lysosomes fuse with phagosomes to form sac-like structures. It is called phagolysosome.
  5. Bacterial death and digestion (Killing): Inside the phagolysosome, the lysosome secretes bactericidal proteolytic enzymes. This enzyme destroys bacteria. Bacteria die within 10-30 minutes of ingestion.
  6. Discharge: After destroying the bacteria, the neutrophils die and are released as pus. Macrophages destroy new bacteria by releasing toxic and indigestible parts.

Role of macrophages in bacterial destruction

Macrophages are large white blood cells. When the blood monocyte cells increase in size by 5 times, they are called macrophages or large eaters. Transformed macrophages are active phagocytic cells. Macrophages accumulate at infected sites of cells. Its opsonin substances identify microbes. Macrophages then release hydrolytic enzymes and cytokines. These chemicals destroy germs. A macrophage can ingest 100 bacteria. Macrophages remain active for several months after ingestion.

Macrophages can also consume larger organisms such as fungi and malaria. Cytokines released from it recruit the necessary cells to heal the wound. The chemical increases the rate of the phagocytosis process.

Role of neutrophils in bacterial destruction

Neutrophils are granular white blood cells. It is an active phagocytic cell. Neutrophils arrive at the infected site within 30 minutes of receiving the signal from the infected site. Opsonin substances in neutrophils recognize pathogens. The proteolytic enzymes of neutrophils then rapidly destroy the bacteria. A neutrophil can ingest 3-20 bacteria. After ingestion of microbes, neutrophils die and are excreted as pus.

Neutrophils secrete special chemicals. These chemicals stimulate monocytes and macrophages to eat bacteria. The chemical increases the rate of the phagocytosis process.

Role of Acid and Enzyme in Killing Pathogen

  1. Enzymes of Lalars: Lalars contain lysozyme enzyme. This enzyme destroys bacteria.
  2. Pancreatic enzymes: Protease enzymes secreted by the pancreas destroy bacteria and fungi.
  3. Mucous enzymes: Lactoperoxide and lysozyme enzymes secreted from the mucous membrane of alimentary canal and trachea act as bactericides.
  4. Bile: Bile contains bile. This bile destroys the bacteria.
  5. Stomach acid: Hydrochloric acid secreted from the stomach wall destroys the bacteria in the food.

Role of Skin in Defense of Human

The skin is the body’s first line of defense. It acts as the first barrier against germs.

  1. Carotenoid coat: The skin forms the carotenoid coat in the body. Germs cannot enter the body through this membrane.
  2. Histiocyte: When the skin is cut or torn, the histiocyte cells come out and destroy the germs in the wound.
  3. Secretion of sweat and oil glands: Sweat and oily substances accumulate on the skin. These substances increase the pH. High pH kills bacteria.
  4. Acids and metabolic wastes: Bacteria accumulate acids and metabolic wastes on the skin. Bacteria cannot multiply due to these acids and metabolic wastes.
  5. Lysozyme: The skin contains an enzyme called lysozyme. This enzyme destroys the bacterial wall.
  6. Cerumen: Cerumen is a waxy substance known as ear wax. It is secreted from ceruminous glands. It resists bacteria, fungi and insects.
  7. Ultraviolet rays: The skin protects the body from the ultraviolet rays of the sun.

Third line defense of Human body

The immune system that destroys specific pathogens that enter the body is remembered for life and responds quickly and effectively to any subsequent attack is called the third layer of defense. Lymphocyte cells produce antibodies that destroy bacterial antigens. It is the best, active, powerful and permanent defense system. This defense system is:

  1. Detects and targets foreign microbes. Separates healthy cells from diseased and dead cells.
  2. Kills specific germs and keeps them in memory and prevents attacks from those germs for years.
  3. The immune system can be effective in any part of the body and protects the whole body.