Protecting Against Pathogens - 5.12

The Human Immune System – Edexcel GCSE (1SC0): Combined Science

In this course, Dr Matt Ivory (Cardiff University) introduces the human immune system, covering topics 5.12- 5.19B in the Pearson Edexcel GCSE Biology (9-1) for Combined Science. We begin by (i) by discussing the physical barriers and chemical defences humans have to protect themselves against pathogens (Topic 5.12); we then (ii) go into more detail about the immune system, breaking down how the body responds to pathogens and their antigens (Topic 5.13); from there (iii) we finish up by looking at how humans can enhance the immune response using immunisation (Topics 5.14, 5.16).

Protecting Against Pathogens - 5.12

In this first mini-lecture, we break down the various ways the human body protects itself against pathogens as covered in topic 5.12. This includes the physical barriers such as the skin and nasal passage, as well as chemical defences such as stomach acid and lysozyme.