What is the body's ability to fight against infection and disease known as?

The body's ability to fight against infection and disease is known as immunity. This refers to the complex system of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to defend the body against harmful invaders like bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Immunity can be classified into two main types: innate immunity, which is the first line of defense and includes barriers like skin and mucous membranes, and adaptive immunity, which develops over time and is specific to particular pathogens.

In contrast to immunity, resistance generally refers to the capacity to withstand or fend off infections but does not encompass the full range of the immune response. Infection is the invasion and multiplication of pathogens in the body, while vulnerability denotes a weakened state that makes an individual more susceptible to infections and diseases. Therefore, immunity is the correct term to describe the body’s comprehensive ability to protect itself from disease.