Barrier function

The barrier function of tissues and organs is one of the most important functions in the human body. It consists in protecting the body from external influences and maintaining the relative constancy of the internal environment.

The barrier function performs several tasks. Firstly, it protects the body from infections and other harmful environmental factors such as bacteria, viruses, allergens and toxins. Secondly, the barrier function helps maintain homeostasis, that is, the relative constancy of the internal environment, including ion concentration, pH, temperature and other parameters.

One of the main structures providing barrier function is the mucous membranes. Mucous membranes line the surface of many organs and tissues, such as the lungs, stomach, intestines, bladder and genitals. They are made up of cells called epithelial cells, which are covered with a layer of mucus. Mucus serves many functions, including protection against bacteria, viruses and other harmful agents, as well as moisturizing and lubricating the surface of mucous membranes.

Another important structure providing barrier function is the skin. The skin is made up of multi-layered cells that protect the body from many external factors such as ultraviolet rays, bacteria and viruses. The skin also plays a role in maintaining homeostasis by regulating body temperature and sweat production.

In addition, the barrier function is provided by other structures, such as the liver and kidneys. The liver and kidneys are involved in filtering the blood and removing toxins and other harmful substances from the body. It also helps maintain homeostasis.

In conclusion, the function of Barrier tissues and organs is of utmost importance to human health and well-being. It protects the body from external influences and maintains the relative constancy of the internal environment. Healthy Barrier System function is important for preventing infections, maintaining homeostasis, and protecting the body as a whole.

The function of the barrier system is to protect the internal structures of the body from the influences of the external environment and maintain the stability of the internal environment.

The resulting mucous biofilm with secretions of bacteria and the host epithelium prevents the spread of microorganisms through tissues, reduces the bioavailability of the mucous barrier, and, consequently, the possibility of their colonization by pathogens. Mucus can change its characteristics with the help of mucins to provide antibacterial and antiviral effects (increases viscosity and changes pH to the acidic side).

Mucus is a universal means of protecting the body, designed to block the proliferation of viral and bacterial pathogens, restrain their growth and spread intracellularly. The secretory activity of the epithelium lining the respiratory tract increases during inflammation in response to environmental irritants: bacterial and viral agents, allergens. When there is a need to take an active part in the immune response, substances are released from the goblet cells of the mucous membrane and secretory glands of the glands: interferon production - prevents the proliferation of viruses; in inflammatory processes against the background of viral damage, the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines increases. The production of mucus and its composition are determined by the metabolism of the body and are associated with the infectious-inflammatory process: in a healthy state, the bronchial secretion should not contain a swollen epithelial layer and erosions in the epithelium, “inflammatory” infiltration of bronchial epithelial cells and specific immune components, since the functioning of anti-infective agents is not impaired innate defense mechanisms and immune memory mechanisms are active. The term “barrier” in relation to bronchial mucus is used to characterize the protective capabilities of this organ. However, the composition of the secretion, which serves as a natural defense, is very rich both qualitatively and quantitatively. It contains a significant amount of proteins (mucins), which provide cohesion and adhesion between epithelial cells