Which type of immune system uses non-specific defenses to prevent disease?

The innate immune system is the component of the immune system that provides immediate, non-specific defenses against pathogens. It serves as the body's first line of defense, employing mechanisms that are always ready to respond to infectious agents without the need for prior exposure.

This system includes various physical barriers, such as skin and mucous membranes, as well as immune cells like neutrophils and macrophages that respond quickly to any invader. Additionally, it activates inflammatory responses to contain and eliminate pathogens. The innate immune system is crucial for preventing disease by recognizing general patterns associated with many types of pathogens, allowing for a rapid response to a wide array of infectious threats.

In contrast, the adaptive immune system requires prior exposure to a specific pathogen to mount a tailored response, making it slower to act initially. Active and passive immune systems describe different ways in which immunity can be acquired, with active immunity involving the production of antibodies as a response to infection or vaccination, and passive immunity representing temporary immunity gained from another source, such as antibodies transferred from mother to child.