What are the nonspecific and specific defenses that your body uses to protect itself against invading pathogens?

Non specific defense systems of the body are also known as innate immunity. In innate immunity, physical barriers which include use of chemical substances are used to protect the body from invading pathogens. These barriers include: (1) The intact skin- the skin is made up of keratin which makes the skin very tough and resistant. Pathogens usually cannot penetrate unless the skin gets broken. (2) Mucus membranes- they form a protective lining inside many organs and other parts of the body e.g. the trachea. Mucus secreted by these membranes trap bacteria and other harmful microorganisms which are then expelled from the body. (3) Tears- tears from our eyes contain lysozyme, a chemical substance which kills bacteria. Specific immunity, also called acquired immunity on the other hand uses biological actions to protect the body, namely: (1) Antibodies- these are produced by B- lymphocyte cells of the immune system. Antibodies bind to specific pathogens and neutralize them and facilitate their destruction by other molecules of the immune system. (2) Phagocytes- these are mostly T- lymphocyte cells of the immune system which recognize pathogens and kill them by engulfing them.

Mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell!