What type of immunity is developed after antigen exposure?

Prepare for the Laboratory Animal Technician (LAT) Test with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question offers hints and explanations to ensure thorough understanding. Gear up for success in your exam journey!

Active immunity is developed after exposure to an antigen, either through infection or vaccination. When the immune system encounters a pathogen or a vaccine containing parts of the pathogen, it responds by producing antibodies and activating specific immune cells tailored to combat that particular antigen. This process enables the body to recognize and remember the pathogen, leading to a more robust and quicker immune response if the same pathogen is encountered again in the future.

Passive immunity, in contrast, occurs when antibodies are transferred from one individual to another, such as from mother to child through breast milk or via an injection of antibodies. This type does not involve the immune system's direct response and is temporary. Temporary immunity refers to the transient nature of passive immunity, where the body does not develop its own memory or long-term immune response. General immunity is not a recognized term in immunology and does not specifically describe a type of immune response developed from antigen exposure.

Thus, the correct answer is that active immunity is the type developed after direct exposure to an antigen, as it signifies the body's own immune response and the capacity to build memory against future infections.

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