Nonspecific immunity is also known as_____. Specific immunity is also known as_____. Specific immunity has the capacity for immunological ______ .

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the concept of nonspecific immunity. Nonspecific immunity refers to the body's first line of defense against pathogens, which includes physical barriers (like skin and mucous membranes), chemical barriers (like stomach acid), and general immune responses (like inflammation and phagocytosis). It is also known as innate immunity.
2. Step 2: Understand the concept of specific immunity. Specific immunity refers to the body's ability to target specific pathogens using specialized cells and molecules, such as antibodies and lymphocytes. It is also known as adaptive immunity.
3. Step 3: Learn about immunological memory. Specific immunity has the capacity for immunological memory, which means the immune system can 'remember' a pathogen after an initial exposure and respond more effectively during subsequent encounters.
4. Step 4: Review the differences between nonspecific and specific immunity. Nonspecific immunity is immediate and general, while specific immunity is slower to develop but highly targeted and capable of long-term protection through memory.
5. Step 5: Apply this knowledge to complete the blanks in the problem. Use the terms 'innate immunity,' 'adaptive immunity,' and 'memory' to fill in the blanks appropriately based on the definitions provided.

Key Concepts

Nonspecific Immunity

Nonspecific immunity, also referred to as innate immunity, is the body's first line of defense against pathogens. It includes physical barriers like skin and mucous membranes, as well as immune responses that are not tailored to specific pathogens, such as inflammation and the action of phagocytes. This type of immunity responds quickly to a wide range of invaders.

Specific Immunity

Specific immunity, also known as adaptive immunity, is characterized by its ability to recognize and remember specific pathogens. This type of immunity involves lymphocytes, such as B cells and T cells, which produce antibodies and mount targeted responses against previously encountered pathogens. It develops over time and provides long-lasting protection.

Immunological Memory

Immunological memory refers to the ability of the immune system to remember past infections and respond more effectively upon subsequent exposures to the same pathogen. This is a key feature of specific immunity, allowing for a faster and stronger response due to the presence of memory cells. It is the basis for the effectiveness of vaccines, which train the immune system to recognize specific pathogens.