Introduction

Introduction



Section contents



23. The skin 315

24. Non-specific resistance and the immune system 323

25. The reproductive system 329


Section introduction


Protection and reproduction are considered in the same section because they are vital for the immediate survival of individuals and the continued survival of the human race. The first line of defence, the skin, is mainly physical and it protects us by preventing dehydration and the entry of harmful foreign bodies such as bacteria. The skin also has cellular protective mechanisms and these are evident in the process of inflammation.


Protection at the cellular level takes place non-specifically, i.e. in response to invasion by any foreign body, and specifically by the development of immunity. Several cell types, which are located in a number of places in the body, including the blood, the lymphatics and the skin, are involved and there is an intimate relationship between the non-specific defences and immunity.


Reproduction is possible due, essentially, to the production of different types of gametes: sperm and ova in males and females, respectively. The respective reproduction systems of males and females differ anatomically and in their physiological regulation but both are ultimately designed to bring together sperm and ova, through sexual intercourse, in order to achieve fertilization.

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Jul 18, 2016 | Posted by in NURSING | Comments Off on Introduction

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