Question

• Which immunity type would you say is the most beneficial? Please explain your answer.
• How can you improve this immunity type's ability to fight infection?

pls type your answer and cite sources used if any. Thank you :)

Answer 1

Immunity is the ability of the body to resist invasion by pathogens and influence of toxins that cause tissue damage. it is classified into two types.

1. Innate immunity( non specific):This type of immunity present since birth and effective against all type of organisms which invade the body.

This includes

• External barriers like skin and mucous membrane
• Neutrophils and macrophages, which are the defense cells among white blood cell group helps in phagocytosis.
• Body fluids like acid secretion of stomach which help to destroy swallowed pathogens.
• Various substances in blood such as lysosomes, natural killer cells
• Complementary system of body.

2. Acquired immunity(adaptive or specific):  this is the ability of the body to fight against specific type of organisms or cells.

This includes:

• Humoral immunity which is mediated by immunoglobulins, which are produced by B lymphocytes
• Cell mediated immunity where specific cells(helper T cells, cytotoxic T cells, suppressor T cells and memory t cells) are produced by T lymphocytes.

Innate immunity is the first line of defense ,which acts very quickly(several hours)once the pathogens enter into the body. it does not need a start up phase, as it is not specialized for specific pathogens. Once the innate immune system is unsuccessful in destroying pathogens,the specific adaptive immune system start in action. It takes several days to respond to the infection compared to innate immunity.Thus, innate immunity is most beneficial ,as a first line response system of body against pathogens.

Immunity can be improved by healthy diet and life style.

• proper hand washing as needed.
• cooking meat and meat product thoroughly before consuming
• try to include more vegetables and fruits in daily diet
• maintain healthy life habits like do not smoke tobacco or drink alcohol( or drink moderately according to guidelines)
• maintain healthy body weight appropriate for age
• regular exercise and sleeping pattern
• try to minimize stress