What term describes the ability of the immune system to recognize and remember specific pathogens?

The term that describes the ability of the immune system to recognize and remember specific pathogens is specific immunity. This aspect of the immune response is crucial because it allows the body to identify pathogens it has encountered before and mount a stronger and faster response upon subsequent exposures. Specific immunity involves the action of lymphocytes, including B cells and T cells, which are able to target specific antigens associated with pathogens.

When a pathogen invades the body, the immune system creates a memory of that pathogen. This memory enables the body to respond more effectively if the pathogen is encountered again in the future, significantly enhancing the level of protection it offers. This characteristic of specific immunity distinguishes it from other types of immunity, such as non-specific immunity, which provides a general defense against a wide range of pathogens without targeting them specifically.