Question

physical barriers that help prevent an individual from contracting diseases include
a. white blood cells, enzymes, tears, and skin
b. sweat, stomach acid, skin, and enzymes
c. sweat, tears, skin, and mucus membranes
d. enzymes, mucus membranes, stomach acid, and tears

Explanation:

Physical barriers are part of the body's first - line defense against pathogens. White blood cells are part of the immune system's cellular response (not a physical barrier). Enzymes (like lysozyme in tears) can have antimicrobial properties but are not physical barriers. Stomach acid is a chemical barrier. Sweat, tears, skin, and mucus membranes are physical barriers. Sweat can wash away pathogens, tears wash the eyes, skin is a physical covering, and mucus membranes (e.g., in the respiratory tract) can trap pathogens.

Answer:

C. sweat, tears, skin, and mucus membranes