• Home
  • University of the People
  • Human Anatomy and Physiology HS2211
  • Human Microbiome

Human Microbiome

1. Summarize the benefit (or need) for "good" microorganisms in and on the body Microorganisms are unicellular organisms that have been with the use of a microscope because they are too small to be seen with the naked eye but are all around us. They can be found in soil, water, and the air. Millions of these microbes are found in the human body Some microbes are harmful and make us sick, while others are beneficial to our health. Bacteria, viruses, and fungi are the most common types. Protozoa are another type of microbe. These are microscopic organisms that cause diseases like toxoplasmosis and malaria. "Good" microorganisms are beneficial to the human body because they help in keeping us healthy. For instance, the lactic acid bacteria in our intestines aid in food digestion by breaking down food such as carbohydrates and short-chain fatty acids National center for biotechnology information.org (2010). Lactic acid bacteria are one of the most important groups of probiotic organisms. These microbes have a number of advantages, including the ability to improve lactose digestion, boost immunity, and prevent and treat diarrhea. Additionally, "good" microorganisms make nutrients more accessible, provide protection against disease, produce essential vitamins such as vitamin K, promote immune system development, and harmless harmful chemicals. skin, intestines, vagina, other). List examples of normal microbes and their relationship with the human body. What factors or specific pathogens could threaten this microbial population and how can a person prevent this? The skin microbiome, which is made up of roughly a thousand different kinds of bacteria and other microorganisms, lives on human skin. Skin bacteria that are helpful can stop the development of other, potentially dangerous microorganisms. Additionally, research has revealed that certain skin bacteria work with the immune system to fight infection. Heal wounds and manage inflammation National institute of health.gov (2022). They also produce compounds that prevent harmful bacteria from spreading, thereby preventing infection and colon cancer. Wisconsin University (n.d.). The development and defence of the skin's protective outer layer is a complicated process. It consists of a combination of cells and the fatty insulation they produce. These together prevent water from escaping the skin and pathogens from entering. Pseudomonas aeruginosa produces antimicrobial substances such as pseudomonic acid . This treatment is effective against staphylococcal and streptococcal infections. Torulopsis glabrata , Candida krusei, Candida albicans, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Aspergillus fumigatus are all inhibited by substances produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa Bio text.org(2021). Antibiotic misuse and overuse, depression, poor nutrition. anxiety, inflammation, and stress can all endanger the lives of these beneficial microbes. Wisconsin University (n.d). These factors can cause the beneficial intestinal bacteria and those that are found on the skin to die. Consuming of products containing live microorganisms can prevent these from happening. Therefore, the consumption of probiotic food such as natural yogurt, fermented milk and kefir will be of benefit. (Wisconsin University) 3.What specifically happens when the normal microbial population in this area is disrupted? Provide examples to illustrate your points. How can a patient