What encompasses other body defenses alongside skin and mucosal membranes?

The answer is focused on body fluids and specialized cells, which play a crucial role in the immune system beyond the physical barriers that skin and mucosal membranes provide. Body fluids, such as blood and lymph, contain various components, including antibodies and other immune mediators that help identify and neutralize pathogens. For instance, antibodies are proteins produced by specialized immune cells that can specifically target and neutralize invaders.

Specialized cells, including white blood cells like macrophages, neutrophils, and lymphocytes, are integral to the immune response. These cells are involved in recognizing pathogens, initiating inflammation, and orchestrating the adaptive immune response. Together, body fluids and these specialized cells form an essential part of the body's defense mechanism, providing a rapid and adaptable response to infections.

The other options refer to important aspects of immunity but do not directly encompass the broader range of defenses alongside skin and mucosal barriers:

• Psychological barriers do not play a direct role in the immune response.

• Genetic factors influence individual susceptibility to disease and the inherent functioning of the immune system, but they do not constitute active defensive measures.

• Inflammatory responses are a crucial aspect of the immune response but are the result of a broader network of defenses involving body fluids and specialized cells.