Anatomy and Physiology II Practice Test 2025 - Free Anatomy Practice Questions and Study Guide

Inflammation is classified as innate immunity because it is a nonspecific response that occurs immediately or within hours of an antigen's appearance in the body. This type of immunity is the body's first line of defense against pathogens and injuries.

During inflammation, the body reacts to harmful stimuli such as pathogens or tissue damage by increasing blood flow to the affected area, which brings immune cells, nutrients, and proteins that help to fight off infection and heal tissues. Symptoms of inflammation include redness, heat, swelling, and pain, which are all part of the complex biological process aimed at protecting the body and facilitating recovery.

In contrast, specific and adaptive immunity involves a more tailored response to specific pathogens, developing over time, and including the formation of memory cells that enhance future responses to the same antigen. Passive immunity refers to the transfer of antibodies from one individual to another, providing temporary protection but not a long-term immune response. Therefore, inflammation is distinctly categorized under innate immunity due to its immediate and nonspecific nature.