What term is used to describe an immunoglobulin?

The term used to describe an immunoglobulin is "antibody." Antibodies are specific proteins produced by B cells in response to an antigen. They play a crucial role in the immune system by identifying and neutralizing foreign objects like bacteria and viruses. Each antibody is designed to bind to a specific antigen, facilitating the destruction of harmful pathogens.

Immunoglobulins, or antibodies, can be categorized into different classes, such as IgG, IgA, IgM, IgE, and IgD, each with distinct functions in immune response. For example, IgG is the most abundant immunoglobulin in serum and is vital for long-term immunity, while IgE is primarily involved in allergic reactions.

The other terms, while related to the immune system, do not accurately describe immunoglobulins. Antigens are substances that can provoke an immune response, complement refers to a group of proteins that aid in the destruction of pathogens, and pathogens are organisms that can cause disease. Understanding the role of antibodies is fundamental in immunology, as these proteins are integral to how the body fights infections and maintains immunity.