Colorado CNA Practice Exam 2026 – The All-In-One Guide to Master Your Certification!

The correct answer is innate immunity. Innate immunity is the body's first line of defense against pathogens and includes physical barriers like skin and mucous membranes, as well as various immune cells that respond to invaders immediately upon detection. This type of immunity is considered nonspecific because it activates the same way regardless of the type of pathogen present, providing broad protection against various infections without the need for prior exposure to a specific pathogen.

In contrast, active immunity involves a specific immune response developed after exposure to a pathogen or through vaccination, which takes time to develop. Vaccine-induced immunity is a form of active immunity specifically gained through vaccination, which prompts the body to build a defense against specific pathogens. While nonspecific immunity can refer to innate responses, the term is more commonly used within a broader context, while innate immunity is a focused term describing the immediate response to pathogens.

Overall, innate immunity functions as a crucial component of the immune system by providing immediate, yet nonspecific defense mechanisms against potential threats.