Final answer:
Innate immunity is a general and non-specific immunity that provides quick responses to pathogens, while adaptive immunity provides specific responses tailored to particular pathogens. Both rely on the ability of the immune system to distinguish between self and non-self molecules. Barrier defenses and the rapid innate immune response contribute to this general immunity.
Step-by-step explanation:
Innate immunity is a general and non-specific immunity against any pathogen trying to enter your body. It includes physical barriers such as the skin and mucous membranes, as well as the rapid but nonspecific innate immune response which consists of specialized cells and soluble factors.
Adaptive immunity is another subset of the immune system that provides specific responses tailored to particular pathogens. It takes longer to develop, but it can lead to immunity to specific pathogens. Both innate and adaptive immune responses rely on the ability of the immune system to distinguish between self and non-self molecules.
Barrier defenses such as the skin and mucous membranes act instantaneously to prevent pathogenic invasion into the body tissues. The rapid but nonspecific innate immune response, which consists of a variety of specialized cells and soluble factors, also contributes to the general and non-specific immunity against any pathogen.