ACQUIRED IMMUNITY Meaning and
Definition
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Acquired immunity, also known as adaptive immunity or specific immunity, refers to the body's ability to defend itself against specific antigens, such as bacteria, viruses, and other foreign substances, that it has previously encountered. It is a key component of the immune system and plays a crucial role in protecting the body from various infections and diseases.
Acquired immunity develops as a result of exposure to antigens through infection, vaccination, or transfer of antibodies or immune cells from another individual. This type of immunity is characterized by its specificity and memory. Once the body is exposed to an antigen, it mounts an immune response by producing antibodies or activating specialized immune cells known as lymphocytes, which help eliminate the pathogen.
There are two major types of acquired immunity: humoral immunity and cell-mediated immunity. Humoral immunity involves the production of antibodies by B lymphocytes, which specifically recognize and bind to antigens, thus neutralizing or eliminating them. Cell-mediated immunity, on the other hand, involves the activation of T lymphocytes, which directly attack infected cells or provide support to immune cells.
One of the most remarkable features of acquired immunity is its ability to remember previous encounters with antigens. This memory enables the immune system to respond rapidly and effectively upon subsequent exposure to the same antigen, providing a stronger and quicker immune response. This fundamental aspect of acquired immunity forms the basis for the success of vaccines in preventing infectious diseases.
In conclusion, acquired immunity is the body's immune response to specific antigens, acquired through prior exposure to these substances. It is characterized by its specificity, memory, and the involvement of various cells and molecules of the immune system.
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I. obtained by an individual in consequence of having suffered an attack of a pathogenic organism of normal or modified virulence, or of its toxin, and having overcome it (active i.), or as a result of the injection of the serum of an animal which has acquired an active immunity against the organism in question (passive i.); mixed i. is a succession of passive and active i. obtained by serovaccination.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for ACQUIRED IMMUNITY
- zcquired immunity
- scquired immunity
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- qcquired immunity
- axquired immunity
- avquired immunity
- afquired immunity
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- acquured immunity
Etymology of ACQUIRED IMMUNITY
The word "acquired" in "acquired immunity" comes from the verb "acquire", which ultimately derives from the Latin word "acquirere", meaning "to gain" or "to obtain".
The term "immunity" stems from the Latin "immunitas", which originally referred to exemptions from public service. Over time, the meaning expanded to include protection against diseases or legal exemptions.
Therefore, when used together, "acquired immunity" refers to the immunity that an individual acquires or develops over time, usually after encountering and surviving an infection or receiving a vaccination. This type of immunity is also known as adaptive immunity or specific immunity.
Similar spelling words for ACQUIRED IMMUNITY
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