Which of the following represents the correct sequence of host immune defenses as encountered by a pathogen?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct sequence is B: Physical barriers; innate responses; adaptive responses. Physical barriers like skin and mucous membranes are the first line of defense, followed by innate responses (e.g., inflammation, phagocytosis) that provide immediate, non-specific protection. Adaptive responses (e.g., antibody production, T cell activation) are the final defense mechanism, specifically targeting the pathogen. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not follow the correct chronological order of how host immune defenses are encountered by a pathogen. Option A and D have the innate and adaptive responses in the wrong order, while option C places adaptive responses before physical barriers, which is not accurate in terms of the sequence of host immune defenses.