IMMUNITY OF THE SKIN AND MUCOUS MEMBRANES 403
Protective function of the skin.—Exfoliation of the epidermis as a
means of ridding the animal of micro-organisms.—Localisation and
arrest of micro-organisms in the dermis.—Intervention of
phagocytes in the defence of the skin.
Elimination of micro-organisms by the conjunctiva.—Microbicidal
function of the tears.—Absorption of toxins by the
conjunctiva.—Protection of the cornea.—Elimination of
micro-organisms by the nasal mucosa.—Protection by the
respiratory channels.—Dust cells.—Absorption of poisons by the
respiratory channels.
Alleged microbicidal property of the saliva.—Part played by
microbial products in the protection of the buccal
cavity.—Antitoxic function of the saliva.
Antiseptic action of the gastric juice.—Antitoxic function of
pepsin.
Protective function of the alimentary canal.—Absence of
microbicidal power from the intestinal ferments.—Protective
function of the bile.—Antitoxic rôle of the digestive
ferments.—Favouring and retarding functions of the intestinal
micro-organisms.—Destruction of toxins by these micro-organisms.
Defensive rôle of the liver. Protective function of the lymphoid
organs of the alimentary canal.
Protective function of the mucous membrane of the genital
organs.—Autopurification of the vagina.