Final answer:
The human body has mechanisms to prevent infections from becoming serious illnesses, including the innate and adaptive immune responses.
Step-by-step explanation:
The human body has several mechanisms to prevent infections from becoming serious illnesses. These mechanisms include both the innate and adaptive immune responses.
Innate Immune Response:
The innate immune response is the body's rapid but nonspecific defense against pathogens. It consists of physical barriers such as the skin and mucous membranes that prevent pathogenic invasion into body tissues. Additionally, the innate immune response involves specialized cells and soluble factors that destroy pathogens after they enter the body.
Adaptive Immune Response:
The adaptive immune response is slower but more specific and effective. It primarily involves white blood cells called lymphocytes, which help control immune responses. The adaptive immune response can generate an army of cells that are specific to a particular pathogen, enabling the body to fight off infections more effectively.