What term refers to the body's ability to destroy and resist infections?

The term that refers to the body's ability to destroy and resist infections is immunity. Immunity is a key concept in understanding how the body protects itself against harmful pathogens such as bacteria and viruses. It encompasses the various mechanisms and processes that enable the immune system to identify and eliminate these threats.

The immune system is composed of various types of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to detect and respond to pathogens. This can include the production of antibodies, activation of immune cells, and the establishment of a memory response to prevent future infections from the same pathogen. Understanding immunity is crucial for nail technicians as they need to maintain a clean and safe environment to minimize the risk of infections and ensure the well-being of their clients.

Infection control, while pertinent to maintaining a safe work environment, primarily focuses on practices that prevent the spread of infection rather than the body's internal processes. Contagion refers to the transmission of infectious agents from one individual to another, and colonization pertains to the presence of bacteria within the body without causing disease. These concepts are related but distinct from the fundamental idea of immunity.