1.What are the different types of immunities and give an example of each
2.Describe how stress impacts the immunity of a person
Your written assignment for this module should be a 1-2 page paper (not including title page and reference page) that describes the following:
You should include a minimum of 3 scholarly references. Include a title page, in-text citations, and a reference page in APA format.
Types of Immunity and the Impact of Stress
Introduction The immune system protects the body against diseases and infections. It identifies and destroys harmful pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites that can cause illnesses. The immune system consists of various organs, cells, and proteins that work together to maintain the body’s health. However, the immune system can be compromised by several factors, including stress. This paper explores the different types of immunity and how stress affects a person’s immune system.
Types of Immunity The immune system can be classified into two main types: innate immunity and adaptive immunity. Innate immunity is the body’s first line of defense and is present from birth. It includes physical barriers such as skin and mucous membranes, and immune cells such as natural killer cells and macrophages. Innate immunity is not specific to particular pathogens and responds quickly to eliminate them.
On the other hand, adaptive immunity is acquired during life and is more specific to particular pathogens. It involves the production of antibodies by B cells and the activation of T cells that recognize and destroy infected cells. Adaptive immunity has memory cells that enable the body to respond faster and more effectively to subsequent infections.
Another type of immunity is passive immunity, which is acquired from another source rather than from the body’s immune system. Examples of passive immunity include maternal antibodies transferred to an infant through breast milk or antibodies administered through immunotherapy.
Impact of Stress on Immunity Stress is a natural response of the body to challenging or threatening situations. Short-term stress can be beneficial to the immune system by activating the fight-or-flight response that prepares the body to respond to danger. However, chronic stress can have adverse effects on the immune system. Stress hormones such as cortisol can suppress the immune system, making it less effective in fighting infections.
Studies have shown that chronic stress can lead to a decreased number of immune cells, reduced antibody response, and increased susceptibility to infections. For instance, individuals who experience chronic stress are more likely to develop colds and flu compared to those who are not stressed. Additionally, stress can exacerbate chronic diseases such as asthma, autoimmune disorders, and cardiovascular disease, which involve immune system dysfunction.
Conclusion In conclusion, the immune system plays a crucial role in maintaining the body’s health by defending against infections and diseases. The different types of immunity include innate, adaptive, and passive immunity. Stress can have both beneficial and detrimental effects on the immune system, depending on the duration and intensity of the stress. Chronic stress can lead to immune system dysfunction, making a person more vulnerable to infections and diseases. Therefore, it is essential to manage stress through relaxation techniques, exercise, and social support to promote a healthy immune system.
References
Kiecolt-Glaser, J. K., McGuire, L., Robles, T. F., & Glaser, R. (2002). Psychoneuroimmunology: psychological influences on immune function and health. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 70(3), 537–547. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-006x.70.3.537
Segerstrom, S. C., & Miller, G. E. (2004). Psychological stress and the human immune system: a meta-analytic study of 30 years of inquiry. Psychological Bulletin, 130(4), 601–630. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.130.4.601
Yang, Y. C., Tu, H. P., Lee, Y. C., & Chang, Y. C. (2019). Chronic stress, immune dysregulation, and health. World Journal of Psychiatry, 9(1), 1–10. https://doi