Final answer:
The body's defense mechanisms are categorized into the innate and adaptive immune responses. The innate response is rapid but nonspecific, whereas the adaptive response is highly specific and develops over time but provides long-lasting protection.
Step-by-step explanation:
The body's defense mechanisms can be organized into one of two major categories of immune mechanisms; these are the innate immune response and the adaptive immune response.
The innate immune response is the body's first line of defense, characterized by a rapid but nonspecific action against pathogens.
It involves physical and chemical barriers, such as the skin and mucus, along with cellular responses like inflammation and phagocytosis.
On the other hand, the adaptive immune response is a highly specific mechanism that develops over time following an initial infection and can provide long-lasting immunity against various pathogens.
It involves a complex network of cells and soluble proteins, primarily including lymphocytes.