ANATOMY

Detailed explanation-1: -A memory cell is an antigen-specific B or T lymphocyte that does not differentiate into effector cells during the primary immune response, but that can immediately become effector cells upon re-exposure to the same pathogen.

Detailed explanation-2: -Memory T cells are antigen-specific T cells that remain long-term after an infection has been eliminated. The memory T cells are quickly converted into large numbers of effector T cells upon reexposure to the specific invading antigen, thus providing a rapid response to past infection.

Detailed explanation-3: -Memory T and B cells remain, however, and maintain a heightened ability to mount a response to a recurrence of infection with the same pathogen. The antibody and memory T cells remaining in an immunized individual also prevent the activation of naive B and T cells by the same antigen.

Detailed explanation-4: -Why do memory T cells allow for a faster immune response when the body is exposed to the same antigen again? There are more of them. There are fewer steps to activation. Molecules that function to render antigens harmless by neutralization, complement fixation, agglutination and precipitation are called .

Detailed explanation-5: -Some T helper cells become memory T cells after the infection has been defeated. They can “remember” which germs were defeated and are then ready to activate the adapted immune system quickly if there is another infection.