Anatomy and Physiology II Practice Test

Which type of immunity involves the transfer of antibodies from mother to child?

1. Natural active immunity

2. Natural passive immunity

3. Artificial active immunity

4. Artificial passive immunity

The correct answer is: Natural passive immunity

The type of immunity that involves the transfer of antibodies from mother to child is natural passive immunity. This occurs during pregnancy, primarily when antibodies are transferred through the placenta to the fetus, and also through breast milk after birth, particularly colostrum in the early days of breastfeeding. This form of immunity is termed "passive" because the antibodies are not produced by the child's immune system; rather, they are acquired from the mother. Natural passive immunity provides the newborn with immediate, although temporary, protection against pathogens while their immune system matures and begins to produce its own antibodies. This contrasts with natural active immunity, where an individual’s immune system responds to a pathogen and creates its own antibodies in response to an infection. Furthermore, artificial active immunity involves vaccination, where exposure to a pathogen occurs through a deliberate immunization process to stimulate the immune system to produce its own antibodies. On the other hand, artificial passive immunity refers to the administration of antibodies (often through an injection) to provide immediate protection without the individual's immune system being directly involved in the production of those antibodies. Thus, the understanding of these different types of immunity helps clarify why the correct answer is natural passive immunity, highlighting the unique mechanism of antibody transfer from mother to child.