Immunity and Immunology:
- “The resistance acquired by the body to fight against diseases or microorganisms or toxic product is called Immunity. Term Immunity originated from the Latin word immunis which means free of burden [Capability to protect from infectious factor).
- The branch of science which deals with the study of immunity is called Immunology.
- It deals with the study of various component of the Immune system and their functions. It provides immunity against organisms.
- Our body has the capacity to distinguish between body cells (“self”) and foreign materials (“non-self”). It will react to foreign materials with an immune response that eliminates the intruding material from the body.
Types of Immunity:
In broad terms, immunity is of two types viz –
- Natural or Innate Immunity
- Acquired Immunity
1. Natural or Innate Immunity:
- This Immunity is inborn i.e. it exists since birth.
- It is independent of previous experience.
There are four types of innate protective measures against invading germs:
- Anatomical barriers
- Physiological barriers
- Phagocytic or cellular barriers
- Inflammatory barriers.