Final answer:
The humoral immune response operates by producing antibodies that specifically target pathogens. Differentiated plasma cells secrete antibodies that act independently to fight extracellular pathogens and toxins. Memory B cells provide long-lasting protection by responding to previously encountered pathogens.
Step-by-step explanation:
The humoral immune response operates by producing antibodies that are specifically targeted against each pathogen. These antibodies, also known as immunoglobulins, bind to antigens on the pathogens and can neutralize them, mark them for phagocytosis, or activate the complement cascade. Differentiated plasma cells, which are formed from B cells, play a crucial role in the humoral response by secreting antibodies that circulate freely and act independently to fight extracellular pathogens and toxins. The humoral immune response is not the only system involved in immune memory; it is also mediated by memory B cells. These memory cells are capable of responding later to a pathogen that has invaded the body at an earlier time, providing long-lasting protection against specific pathogens.