Anatomy and Physiology II Practice Test

The skin and mucosa primarily serve a critical role in nonspecific immunity, which is also known as innate immunity. This type of immunity forms the first line of defense against pathogens and includes physical barriers as well as various immune responses that do not require prior exposure to a specific pathogen.

The skin acts as a physical barrier, preventing the entry of microorganisms and other harmful substances into the body. It produces antimicrobial peptides and sebum, which help inhibit bacterial growth. Similarly, the mucosal surfaces lining the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and urogenital tracts secrete mucus and enzymes that trap and destroy pathogens.

In contrast, specific immunity refers to processes that involve recognizing specific pathogens and mounting a tailored response, often requiring prior exposure to the pathogen. Adaptive immunity encompasses responses mediated by specific lymphocytes, such as B cells and T cells. Cell-mediated immunity is a subset of adaptive immunity primarily involving T cells.

Thus, the general protective role of the skin and mucosa, along with their immediate immune responses, is indicative of their function in nonspecific immunity.