Types of Immunity and Antigen Basics

What are the four types of acquired adaptive immunity?

Naturally active, Naturally passive, Artificially active, Artificially passive

What does naturally active immunity involve?

Immunity gained from direct exposure to a pathogen (e.g., infection).

What does naturally passive immunity involve?

Immunity passed from mother to child via placenta or breast milk.

What does artificially active immunity involve?

Immunity gained from a vaccine (contains a weakened or inactivated pathogen).

What does artificially passive immunity involve?

Immunity gained from receiving antibodies (e.g., from another person or animal).

What are antigens and what is their role?

Antigens are foreign molecules that trigger an immune response. They help the immune system recognize harmful invaders.

What does specificity mean in immunity?

Specificity means the immune system targets a specific foreign molecule (antigen).

What is memory in the immune system?

Memory allows the immune system to 'remember' a pathogen for faster and stronger responses if the pathogen invades again.