The removal of microbes and debris from the respiratory tract through the expulsion of mucus by respiratory cilia and subsequent mechanical actions of coughing, swallowing, or sneezing. Disruption of this escalator leads to an increased frequency of bacteria in the respiratory tract and constant infections.

University of Notre Dame

Features of mucous membranes in innate immune response include:
- Mucus
- Ciliated epithelial cells
- Mucociliary escalator
- Peristalsis

Features of Mucous Membranes

Types of mechanical defenses in innate immune physical defenses include:
- Skin shedding
- Mucociliary escalator
- Peristalsis
- Flushing action of urine and tears

Innate Immune Physical Defenses: Types of Mechanical Defenses

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Moist and sticky secretions from components of bodily mucous membranes that help remove microbes from the body

Mucus

Hair-like cells - cilia -  in the upper lining of the respiratory tract that move mucus and its trapped microbes out of the lungs

Ciliated Epithelial Cells

Mucociliary Escalator

A nonspecific innate immune mechanical defense of the digestive tract that protects against ingested microbes. The digestive system contracts to move mucus mixed with stomach material, including trapped microbes, through the intestines, rectum, and anus until final expulsion from the body in feces.

Peristalsis

The skin barrier is made up of three closely packed cell layers: the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis (upper to bottom layer). The epidermis  consists of keratin, which provides mechanical strength to the skin surface, preventing enzymatic degradation. The acidic environment of the surface also prevents bacterial degradation and inhibits microbial growth. Skin shedding also sheds microbes on the skin surface. Damage to the skin barrier allows for pathogens to enter into deeper tissue.

(Photo credits in References)

Innate Immune Physical Barrier: The Skin Barrier

The flushing of urine out the body keeps the urinary tract sterile by washing out microbes that may take up residence. For the eyes, if microbes get past the initial barriers of eyelashes and eyelids, they can get flushed out with tears via blinking.

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