epidemic | the world of infectious diseases
infection

MOUTH

  • The mucous membrane lining the inner surface of mouth and nose traps microbes.

  • Cells lining the nose and mouth have hairlike projections called cilia, which move trapped microbes to the stomach, where acids destroy them.

  • Mucus and saliva contain enzymes that help destroy some microbes.

    Smoking damages the respiratory tract, making infection more likely.
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