Humoral immunity is a part of the immune system that protects the body against pathogens through the production of antibodies. These antibodies are proteins created by B cells, a type of white blood cell, in response to specific antigens, which are foreign substances like bacteria and viruses. Once produced, antibodies can neutralize pathogens, mark them for destruction, or prevent them from entering cells. This immune response is crucial for defending against infections, especially those caused by extracellular pathogens. Humoral immunity also plays a role in long-term protection, as some B cells become memory cells that quickly respond to future infections by the same pathogen.