Milady Esthetics State Board Practice Test

What type of secretion plays a role in the body's defense against infection?

1. Perspiration

2. Hormones

3. Saliva

4. Fatty acids

The correct answer is: Perspiration

Perspiration is a crucial component of the body's defense system against infections. It contains antimicrobial peptides and other substances that help inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi on the skin's surface. When sweat is produced, it not only helps regulate body temperature but also serves as a barrier, providing a hostile environment for pathogens. The acidic nature of perspiration can also affect the survival of certain microbes, contributing to the overall protective function of the skin. In contrast, while hormones may play important roles in various bodily functions and can influence immune responses, they are not primarily involved in immediate defense against infections. Saliva has protective qualities, such as containing enzymes that can break down bacteria, but the primary focus in this context is perspiration's role on the skin surface. Fatty acids can have antibacterial properties as well, particularly in sebum produced by sebaceous glands, but they are less directly involved in the systemic detection and elimination of pathogens than perspiration is.