Which term is used to describe the type of immunity acquired through exposure to pathogens?

The term that describes the type of immunity acquired through exposure to pathogens is active immunity. This form of immunity occurs when the body is exposed to a disease-causing pathogen, such as viruses or bacteria, and the immune system responds by creating its own antibodies against that specific pathogen. This can happen naturally when a person becomes infected with a disease and builds immunity as a result of that infection, or it can occur through vaccination, where a harmless form or part of the pathogen is introduced to stimulate an immune response without causing the disease.

Active immunity is long-lasting because the immune system retains a memory of the pathogen, which allows for a quicker and more effective response if the person is exposed to the same pathogen in the future. In contrast, other options like passive immunity involve the transfer of antibodies from one individual to another, such as from mother to child, but do not involve the recipient’s immune system making its own antibodies. Natural immunity is a broader term that encompasses active immunity acquired from actual infections, while inherent immunity refers to the body's natural defenses present from birth.