Specific immunity is provided by

Options

A. B cells and circulating antibodies
B. physical barriers and the complement system
C. immunological surveillance and fever
D. phagocytosis and the inflammatory response

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Specific Immunity**: Specific immunity, also known as acquired immunity, is a type of immunity that develops in response to exposure to specific antigens. It is characterized by the ability to remember past infections and respond more effectively upon re-exposure.

2. **Identifying the Key Players**: The primary cells involved in specific immunity are B cells. When B cells encounter an antigen, they differentiate into plasma cells, which are responsible for producing antibodies.

3. **Role of Antibodies**: The antibodies released by plasma cells bind to the specific antigens, neutralizing them and marking them for destruction by other immune cells. This is a targeted response, which is why it is termed "specific."

4. **Memory Cells**: In addition to plasma cells, B cells can also form memory cells after the initial exposure to an antigen. These memory cells remain in the body and allow for a faster and more robust immune response if the same antigen is encountered again in the future.

5. **Evaluating the Options**:
- **B cells and circulating antibodies**: This option is correct as it directly relates to specific immunity.
- **Physical barrier and complement system**: This is incorrect as these are part of non-specific immunity.
- **Immunological surveillance and fever**: This is also incorrect since these mechanisms do not specifically target particular antigens.
- **Phagocytosis and inflammatory response**: These are part of the innate immune response and are non-specific.

6. **Conclusion**: The correct answer is that specific immunity is provided by B cells and circulating antibodies.

**Final Answer**: Specific immunity is provided by B cells and circulating antibodies.

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