On Immunity
On Immunity
On Immunity (pronunciation: /ɒn ɪˈmjuːnɪti/) is a term used in the field of Immunology to describe the biological mechanisms that defend an organism against disease.
Etymology
The term "Immunity" originates from the Latin word "immunitas", which refers to the exemption from service or obligation. In medical terms, it was first used to describe the protection against infectious diseases provided by inoculation.
Definition
On Immunity refers to the state of having sufficient biological defenses to avoid infection, disease, or other unwanted biological invasion. It is the capability of the body to resist harmful microorganisms or pathogens.
Types of Immunity
There are two main types of immunity: Innate Immunity and Adaptive Immunity. Innate immunity is the first line of defense and is non-specific, while adaptive immunity is highly specific and is capable of "remembering" specific pathogens for faster response in future encounters.
Innate Immunity
Innate immunity, also known as natural or native immunity, represents the first line of defense against pathogens and is present at birth. It includes physical barriers like skin and mucous membranes, and internal defenses like phagocytes and natural killer cells.
Adaptive Immunity
Adaptive immunity, also known as acquired immunity, is the second line of defense and is specific to the pathogen presented. It involves the activation of lymphocytes, which then produce specific antibodies to bind and neutralize the pathogen.
Related Terms
- Immunology: The branch of medicine and biology concerned with immunity.
- Pathogen: A bacterium, virus, or other microorganism that can cause disease.
- Lymphocytes: A type of white blood cell that is part of the immune system.
- Antibodies: A blood protein produced in response to and counteracting a specific antigen.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on On Immunity
- Wikipedia's article - On Immunity
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