Define mucous membrane and discuss three portals of entery through different muc

Question

Define mucous membrane and discuss three portals of entery through different mucous membranes. Including example of what kind of organisms may be transmitted through each mucous membrane. Identify two other postals of entery that do not involve mucous membranes. Define mucous membrane and discuss three portals of entery through different mucous membranes. Including example of what kind of organisms may be transmitted through each mucous membrane. Identify two other postals of entery that do not involve mucous membranes.

Explanation / Answer

Mucous membrane - A mucous membrane or mucosa is a membrane that lines various cavities in the body and covers the surface of internal organs. It consists of one or more layers of epithelial cells overlying a layer of loose connective tissue. It is mostly of endodermalorigin and is continuous with the skin at various body openings such as the eyes, ears, inside the nose, inside the mouth, lip, the urethral opening and the anus. Some mucous membranes secrete mucus, a thick protective fluid. The function of the membrane is to stop pathogens and dirt from entering the body and to prevent bodily tissues from becoming dehydrated.

Portal of Entry:

Line all body cavities open to the outside world
(i.e., where skin is not present)
Linings of the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and urogenital tracts as well as the conjunctiva covering the eyes
Mucous membranes differ from skin in being thin, moist, warm, and composed of living cells
Thus, the surface area covered by mucous membranes is a very important portal of entry for pathogens.

1.Respiratory track ( influenza caused by bacteria)

2. Gastrointestinal track ( gastrointestinal infection also caused by bacteria and the symtomsy are vomiting abdominal pain etc.)

3. Urogential track ( urogential track infevinfe is also caused by the bacteria e. coli .)

Other portal of Entry:

1.Placenta-

The blood of the developing embryo/fetus and that of the mother do not actually mix
The placenta is an effective barrier for most microbial pathogens
However, in 2% of pregnancies pathogens do cross the placental barrier and are able to infect the embryo/fetus
Infections may sometimes result in spontaneous abortion or premature birth and possibly birth defects

2.Skin-

The outer layer of the skin is difficult for microbes to penetrate
The epidermis is composed of tightly packed, dead, dry cells
Hair follicles and sweat glands are not as well protected
Breaks in the skin caused by abrasions, cuts, and scrapes can allow entry of microorganisms
Some fungal pathogens cause skin infections by secreting digestive enzymes that breakdown keratin
A few parasitic worms are even capable of burrowing through the skin barrier to reach underlying tissues.

Thanking you. Hope you got the answer.

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse D
• Subjects

---

---

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.