What term refers to the body's ability to resist disease?

The correct term that refers to the body's ability to resist disease is immunity. Immunity describes the complex biological processes through which the body defends itself against infections and diseases. This can include natural immunity, which is the inherent ability of the body to fight off pathogens, as well as acquired immunity, which develops after exposure to specific pathogens or through vaccination.

Resistance is often used interchangeably with immunity; however, in a more precise biological context, it can relate to the ability to withstand a specific disease or infection but does not encompass the overall framework of how the immune system functions. Vulnerability refers to the susceptibility of the body to disease and infection, while infection describes the invasion and multiplication of pathogens within the body. Therefore, immunity encompasses the full range of the body's defensive mechanisms, making it the most accurate choice in this context.