Which process involves the body creating its own antibodies after exposure to a pathogen?

The process in which the body creates its own antibodies after exposure to a pathogen is referred to as active immunity. This occurs when the immune system recognizes a pathogen, such as a virus or bacteria, and mounts an immune response to fight it off. During this response, the body produces specific antibodies tailored to that pathogen, which not only helps in eliminating the immediate threat but also builds a memory that allows for quicker responses if the pathogen is encountered again in the future.

Active immunity can occur naturally through infection, where the person contracts and recovers from an illness, allowing for antibody production. It can also be stimulated artificially through vaccination, where a harmless component of the pathogen (such as inactivated proteins or weakened forms) is introduced to the body, prompting an immune response without causing the disease.

In contrast, passive immunity involves receiving antibodies from another source, such as maternal antibodies transferred to a newborn, and does not require the recipient's immune system to produce them. Natural immunity encompasses immunity gained through natural infection, while artificial immunity refers specifically to immunity acquired through intentional exposure to a pathogen (typically through vaccination). Thus, active immunity is distinctive because it pertains to the body’s independent response to pathogens.