THE HUMAN MICROBIOME
The Invisible Network
What is the Human Microbiome?
The human microbiome is made up of the complex communities of microbes or bacteria that inhabit the human body. These collections of bacteria work together and help the human body perform tasks such as digestion. Collections of bacteria are grouped into different floras which can be found is various parts of the body.
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Bacteria thrive in the ecosystems our bodies provide, in turn they aid us with bodily functions. The human microbiome, more commonly known as the microbiota, is comprised of the: skin, oral, gastrointestinal, and urogenital floras. These different biomes contribute to the body's immune system and protect the body from outside bacteria that can harm us.
[H.3]
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According to the Baylor College of Medicine, "only a small percentage of the bacteria that comprise the human microbiome have been identified, and a limited number of individual microorganisms have been studied." [H.2]
The human microbiome is the foundation for understanding how the human body will respond to prescription medications. In understanding the differences between different human microbiomes doctors can identify which course of treatment is best fit for an individual. Knowing how to differentiate...