module 06 written assignment – stress and immunity | Professional of Nursing | Rasmussen College System
There are two main types of immunity: innate immunity and adaptive immunity.
- Innate immunity: This type of immunity is present from birth and provides the first line of defense against pathogens. Innate immunity involves physical, chemical, and cellular barriers that prevent pathogens from entering the body or eliminate them once they are inside. Examples of innate immunity include:
- Skin and mucous membranes: These physical barriers prevent pathogens from entering the body.
- Natural killer cells: These cells are specialized immune cells that can recognize and kill infected cells or cancer cells.
- Complement system: This is a group of proteins that can attack and destroy pathogens directly or enhance other immune cells’ ability to fight infections.
- Adaptive immunity: This type of immunity develops after exposure to a specific pathogen and provides a targeted response to that pathogen. Adaptive immunity involves the production of specific antibodies or immune cells that can recognize and attack the pathogen. Examples of adaptive immunity include:
- Antibodies: These are proteins produced by B cells in response to a specific pathogen. Antibodies can recognize and bind to the pathogen, marking it for destruction by other immune cells.
- T cells: These are immune cells that can recognize and destroy infected cells directly or help other immune cells to attack the pathogen. There are two types of T cells: helper T cells, which help coordinate the immune response, and cytotoxic T cells, which can directly kill infected cells.
Overall, the innate and adaptive immune systems work together to protect the body against infections and other pathogens.