In which bodily fluids is lysozyme primarily found?

Enhance your understanding of the lymphatic and immune systems. Improve retention with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each with hints and detailed explanations. Excel in your upcoming exam!

Lysozyme is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in the immune system by breaking down the cell walls of certain bacteria, effectively contributing to the body's defense against infections. This enzyme is predominantly found in bodily fluids that serve as first lines of defense, especially in secretions that can encounter pathogens directly.

Tears and saliva are key secretions where lysozyme is plentiful. In tears, lysozyme helps protect the eyes from bacterial infections by breaking down the peptidoglycan in the cell walls of certain bacteria. Similarly, in saliva, lysozyme contributes to oral hygiene by acting against bacteria that enter the mouth, thereby supporting the maintenance of health in the oral cavity and beyond.

Therefore, identifying tears and saliva as the primary bodily fluids containing lysozyme is accurate, highlighting the role of these secretions in the immune response.

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