The Skin is an Effective Barrier Against Invading Microbes Because

Question

The skin is an effective barrier against invading microbes because
A) the outer layers of cells are dead.
B) the surface is covered in salt.
C) it is well supplied with blood vessels to flush microbes from the surface.
D) no microbes are able to survive on the surface.
E) the outer layers are dead and covered in salt.

Accepted Answer

The outer layers of skin cells are dead and covered in salt, which creates an inhospitable environment for microbes to survive and thrive. Additionally, the skin's acidity further inhibits microbial growth. While there are other factors that play a role in the skin's protective barrier (such as the presence of antimicrobial peptides and immune cells), the combination of dead cells and salt on the skin's surface is the best answer choice given.