Which type of immunity involves the use of previously manufactured antibodies?

Passive immunity involves the use of previously manufactured antibodies that provide immediate, but temporary, protection against pathogens. This type of immunity is seen in situations such as a mother passing antibodies to her infant through breast milk or placental transfer during pregnancy. These antibodies do not require the immune system to actively produce them, which is why passive immunity can quickly confer protection without the need for the recipient's own immune response to be stimulated.

In contrast, active immunity occurs when the immune system is exposed to a pathogen and produces its own antibodies in response, leading to long-lasting immunity. Innate immunity is the body’s first line of defense, providing immediate but non-specific responses to pathogens. Adaptive immunity refers to the tailored immune response that develops over time and includes the production of antibodies by the immune system following an exposure to specific pathogens, rather than relying on pre-made antibodies.