The skin is the body’s first line of defense, it plays a major role in preventing disease by protecting all the organs, blood vessels, and the lymph system.  Without the skin, bacteria and viruses could easily enter the blood system.  The skin also houses many lymph nodes.  Lymph nodes are a part of the lymph system, a network of vessels which transport white blood cells, or phagocytes, throughout the body to combat disease.

     Mucous membranes are cells that line all openings of the body.  When dust particles enter the body, they get caught in the mucous membranes and are then digested.

     Nose hair is the bodies natural air filtration system.  Nose hairs capture dust particles keeping them from accumulating in the lungs.  A sneeze is the body’s way of ridding itself of accumulated dust particles.

     The lymph system is made up of T cells, B cells, antibodies, and platelets.  When the skin is scratched, platelets travel to the wound.  They then try to mend the wound, and stop the bleeding.  The T cells are the cells that attack all diseases that enter the body.  B cells are the cells that manufacture antibodies.  Antibodies are proteins that isolate pathogens, foreign substances, so that T cells can attack and destroy it.