What is the ability of the body to destroy bacteria that have entered and to resist infection called?

The ability of the body to destroy bacteria that have entered and to resist infection is referred to as immunity. This complex biological system is essential for defending against pathogens and maintaining overall health. Immunity can be categorized into two types: innate immunity, which is the natural resistance to infection present from birth, and adaptive immunity, which develops as a response to exposure to specific pathogens. Both forms of immunity work together to identify and eliminate foreign microorganisms, protecting the body from diseases.

This concept is crucial for understanding how our body reacts to infections and the importance of vaccinations, which enhance the adaptive immune response. Other options, while related to the concept of defending the body against pathogens, do not encompass the full scope of the body’s ability to destroy bacteria and resist infections as effectively as the term "immunity."