The presence of white blood cells found in the urine

Full Answer Section

    The Pharynx and its Regions The pharynx, also known as the throat, is a muscular tube that connects the nasal cavity and mouth to the trachea (windpipe) and esophagus (food pipe). It has three distinct regions:

1. Nasopharynx: The uppermost region, located behind the nasal cavity. It connects to the Eustachian tubes, which equalize pressure in the middle ear.
2. Oropharynx: The middle region, located behind the mouth and tongue. It contains the tonsils, which are lymphoid tissues that help trap pathogens entering through the mouth.
3. Laryngopharynx: The lowermost region, located behind the larynx (voice box). It connects to both the trachea and esophagus. During swallowing, the epiglottis, a small flap of cartilage, covers the opening of the larynx to prevent food from entering the airway.

White Blood Cells in Urine The presence of white blood cells (WBCs) in the urine, medically known as pyuria, indicates possible inflammation or infection somewhere in the urinary tract, which includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. WBCs are normally not present in significant numbers in healthy urine. Common causes of pyuria include:

• Urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by bacteria
• Kidney infections (nephritis)
• Bladder stones
• Kidney stones

A urinalysis with pyuria usually requires further investigation to identify the underlying cause and determine appropriate treatment. Why Women Are More Prone to Bladder Infections Women are more susceptible to bladder infections than men due to several anatomical differences:

• Urethra: The female urethra is shorter and closer to the vagina and anus compared to the male urethra. This shorter distance allows bacteria from the vagina and anus to more easily reach the bladder.
• Menopause: Decreased estrogen levels after menopause can thin the urethral lining, making it more susceptible to infection.

 

Sample Answer

     

Alimentary Canal Defense and Disease Protection

The layer of the alimentary canal tissue that helps protect the body against disease is the lamina propria of the mucosa. This layer contains lymphoid tissue, which is a major component of the Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT).

MALT houses numerous lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell crucial for the immune response. These lymphocytes can identify and attack pathogens (disease-causing organisms) that enter the digestive system through food or drink.