A&P of Lymphatic System (Includes immune system) Flashcards
What does the lymphatic sys. consist of?
Lymph fluid/collecting ducts Lymph nodes Spleen Thymus Tonsils and adenoids Peyer patches
Lymph nodes are located everywhere besides?
The placenta and Central Nervous Sys.
What are the functions of the immune system?
Protects body from antigenic substances
Removes damaged cells
Partial barrier to malignant cell maturation
What are some immunologic and metabolic processes?
Movement of lymph fluid in a closed circuit
Production of lymphocytes
Production of antibodies
Phagocytosis
Absorption of fat and fat-soluble substances
Manufacture of blood when primary sources compromised
What is the composition of lymph?
Clear fluid
Mostly white blood cells (WBCs)
Occasional red blood cells (RBCs)
Proteins
How is lymph drained in the body?
Moves from bloodstream to interstitial spaces No built-in pumping mechanism Collected by tubules/ducts Carried to lymph nodes Moved to venous system - Subclavian veins Closed but porous circulation
Describe lymph nodes?
Discrete structures surrounded by a capsule composed of connective tissue and a few elastic fibrils
Usually occur in groups
Receive lymph from the collecting ducts
Located superficially and deep in body
Superficial nodes accessible to inspection and palpation
Describe lymphocytes along with b-/t-lymphocytes.
Central to body response to antigens
B-lymphocytes produce antibodies.
T-lymphocytes have an important role in controlling the immune responses brought about by B-lymphocytes.
What are they two types of immunity and does the presence of lymphocytes on the blood signify?
Humoral
Cellular
Increased presence in blood indicates systemic response to most viral and some bacterial infections.
Where is the thymus located and what is its function?
Located in the superior mediastinum, extending upward into the lower neck
Essential to the development of the protective immune function
Site for T-cell production
Is its primary function for adults or infants/children?
Infants and children
Where is the spleen located and what is its function?
Situated in the left upper quadrant of the abdominal cavity
Blood-forming organ early in life
Site for red corpuscle storage
Contains blood-filtering macrophages
Immune response to bloodborne antigens usually has its origins in the spleen.
What are the three kinds of tonsils?
Palatine tonsils - Commonly referred to as the “tonsils” Pharyngeal tonsils - Commonly referred to as the “adenoids” Lingual tonsils - Located at the base of the tongue
What are the tonsils functions?
Defensive responses to inhaled and intranasal antigens are activated in these tissues
Where are peyer patches located and what do they do?
Small, raised areas of lymph tissue on the mucosa of the small intestine
Consist of many clustered lymphoid nodules
Serve the intestinal tract
