Final answer:
A newborn infant may have some defense against digestive and respiratory disturbances because of IgA obtained from its mother's milk. When a mother breastfeeds her infant, she passes on antibodies, including IgA, through breast milk. IgA is an antibody that is effective against digestive and respiratory pathogens.
Step-by-step explanation:
A newborn infant may have some defense against digestive and respiratory disturbances because of IgA obtained from its mother's milk.
When a mother breastfeeds her infant, she passes on antibodies, including IgA, through breast milk. IgA is an antibody that is effective against digestive and respiratory pathogens. This transfer of antibodies provides passive immunity to the infant, giving them protection while their own immune system develops.
In addition to IgA obtained from breast milk, the mother also transfers IgG antibodies to the infant through the placenta during pregnancy. IgG antibodies protect the fetus from infections and provide passive immunity for the first few months of the infant's life.