What concept describes the lifelong accumulation of immunity?

The concept that describes the lifelong accumulation of immunity is known as long-term immunity. This type of immunity develops after an individual has been exposed to a pathogen or has been vaccinated, leading to the generation of memory cells that allow for a rapid and effective response upon subsequent exposures.

Long-term immunity can result from both natural infections and vaccinations, and it typically lasts for many years, sometimes even for a lifetime. This distinguishes it from other types of immunity, which may not provide lasting protection. In contrast, natural immunity refers specifically to immunity gained through experiencing an illness and may not always be as comprehensive or durable as long-term immunity developed through vaccinations or successful immune responses.

Adaptive immunity specifically refers to the immune system's ability to recognize and remember specific pathogens, allowing for a targeted response that improves with repeated exposures. While adaptive immunity contributes to long-term immunity, it does not encompass the overall concept of lifelong accumulation, which is more accurately reflected in long-term immunity. Temporal immunity is not a recognized term in immunology and does not pertain to the concept described in the question.