What term describes the natural microbes that inhabit a specific area?

The term "normal flora" refers to the community of microorganisms that naturally inhabit a specific area of the body, such as the skin, gut, or respiratory tract. These microbes are typically non-pathogenic and contribute to various physiological functions, including aiding in digestion, synthesizing vitamins, and protecting against pathogenic organisms by competing for resources and space.

Normal flora is crucial for maintaining a healthy microbiome, and any disruption to this microbial balance can lead to various health issues. For instance, the use of antibiotics may reduce normal flora and enable opportunistic pathogens to thrive, which can lead to infections.

Transitional microbiota, while also present in certain areas, do not have the same established, beneficial relationship as normal flora. Invasive species refer to non-native organisms that can disrupt ecosystems, while pathogenic organisms specifically cause disease, differing significantly from the natural and beneficial role of normal flora.