Innate And Adaptive Immunity Flashcards, test questions and answers

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What is Innate And Adaptive Immunity?

Immunity is the ability of an organism to resist a particular infection or toxin by recognizing and neutralizing the pathogen or toxin. Innate immunity and adaptive immunity are two types of immunity that have evolved in different ways to protect organisms from potential threats. Innate immunity is present from birth, providing a body with its first line of defense against foreign invaders. It includes physical barriers such as skin, mucous membranes, and secretions like saliva and tears, which can trap pathogens that try to enter the body. Additionally, innate immunity relies on cells such as phagocytes that attack invading pathogens, releasing chemicals called cytokines into the bloodstream to alert other cells in the immune system of an invasion. This type of immunity is generally nonspecificit does not recognize specific antigens on individual pathogensand therefore provides general protection against any type of threat. Adaptive immunity develops after exposure to a pathogen or antigen and can provide long-lasting protection against specific threats through immunological memory. This memory allows adaptive immune systems to recall previous encounters with a pathogen so it can quickly mount an effective response if it encounters those same antigens again in the future. Antibodies are proteins produced by B-cells (a type of white blood cell) that bind specifically to antigens on foreign invaders like bacteria and viruses, marking them for destruction by other immune cells; this process is known as humoral Immunity since antibodies circulate throughout the body’s fluids (or humors). T-cells also play an important role in adaptive immunity; they can recognize infected cells directly and release cytokines which activate other parts of the immune system. Overall, both innate and adaptive immunities are essential for maintaining health; while innate immunity provides general protection from all kinds of threats, adaptive responses are necessary for more focused protection against specific pathogens or toxins encountered previously.