Your Written Assignment For This Module Should Be 1-2 Pages

Your Written Assignment For This Module Should Be A 1 2 Page Paper No

Your written assignment for this module should be a 1-2 page paper (not including title page and reference page) that describes the following: What are the different types of immunities and give an example of each Describe how stress impacts the immunity of a person You should include a minimum of 3 scholarly references. Include a title page, in-text citations, and a reference page in APA format.

Paper For Above instruction

The immune system is a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs working together to defend the body against harmful pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. Immunity refers to the body’s ability to recognize and combat these pathogens. There are different types of immunity, primarily categorized as innate immunity and adaptive immunity, each playing a vital role in maintaining health.

Innate immunity, also known as natural or nonspecific immunity, is the first line of defense against pathogens. It is present at birth and provides rapid, generalized protection. This form of immunity involves physical barriers like the skin and mucous membranes, as well as internal defenses such as macrophages, natural killer cells, and the inflammatory response. An example of innate immunity is the skin acting as a barrier preventing pathogens from entering the body.

Adaptive immunity, or specific immunity, develops over time as the body is exposed to pathogens or vaccines. This immunity is tailored to particular antigens and involves the activation of lymphocytes—B cells and T cells. B cells produce antibodies that target specific antigens, while T cells destroy infected cells or help coordinate immune responses. An example of adaptive immunity is the production of antibodies following vaccination for influenza.

Besides these, there is passive immunity, which involves the transfer of pre-made antibodies from one individual to another. This can occur naturally, as in the transfer of maternal antibodies through the placenta or breast milk, or artificially, through antibody injections. An example of passive immunity is the administration of immunoglobulin therapy after exposure to rabies or hepatitis B.

Stress significantly impacts immune function, often impairing the body’s ability to fight infections. Chronic stress triggers the release of stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, which can suppress the activity of immune cells, including lymphocytes and macrophages. Elevated cortisol levels, especially over prolonged periods, reduce the production of cytokines essential for immune responses and decrease lymphocyte proliferation. This suppression leads to increased susceptibility to infections and delays in healing processes (Segerstrom & Miller, 2004). Conversely, acute stress might temporarily modulate immune responses in a complex manner, occasionally enhancing certain immune functions. However, sustained or chronic stress has consistently been associated with negative effects on immunity (Kiecolt-Glaser et al., 2010).

Moreover, stress influences the progression of autoimmune diseases and vaccine efficacy. Stress management techniques, including mindfulness and relaxation therapies, have demonstrated positive effects in modulating immune responses, thereby highlighting the importance of psychological well-being in maintaining a healthy immune system (Cohen et al., 2012). Understanding the intricate relationship between stress and immunity is crucial for developing holistic approaches to health and disease prevention.

References

• Cohen, S., Janicki-Deverts, D., & Miller, G. E. (2012). Psychological stress and disease. Annual Review of Clinical Psychology, 8, 1-27.
• Kiecolt-Glaser, J. K., McGuire, L., Robles, T. F., & Glaser, R. (2010). Psychoneuroimmunology and health research: Past, present, and future. Brain, Behavior, and Immunity, 24(8), 1-10.
• Segerstrom, S. C., & Miller, G. E. (2004). Psychological stress and the immune system: A meta-analytic review of 30 years of inquiry. Psychological Bulletin, 130(4), 601-630.