Comp 11: Lymph and Immunity

Question 1

What is the function of the lymphatic system?

Answer 1

Fluid balance, fat absorption and defense.

Question 2

What are the organisations of the lymphatic system?

Answer 2

• lymph
• lymphatic nodules
• lymphatic vessels
• lymphatic tissue
• lymph nodes
• tonsils
• spleen
• thymus

Question 3

Components of the lymphatic vessels and their characteristics?

Answer 3

• lymphatic capillaries: join lymph vessels
• lymphatic vessels: have valves ensuring the one-way flow
• lymphatic nodes: distribute along the vessel and filter lymph
• lymph trunks: jugular, subclavian, bronchomediastinal, intestinal, lumbar
• lymph ducts: drain tissue of the body and move the lymph in major veins

Question 4

What are lymphocytes?

Answer 4

• white blood cells in the immune system which are made of B and T cells

B cells> produce antibodies
T cells> are direct fighters

Question 5

Difference between innate and adaptive immunity?

Answer 5

innate; something you’re already born with

adaptive: appears after exposure of foreign substances

Question 6

What are the 5 types of innate immunity?

Answer 6

1. Physical barrier – skin, saliva, tears, the acid in stomach, cilia
2. chemical mediators – histamine, cytokinesis, complement, interferons
3. WBC – ingest foreign particles (phagocytosis)
4. Inflammation – prevent further pathogen entry
5. Fever – high temperature increase antimicrobial substances, decreases microbial growth

Question 7

What is cell-mediated immunity?

Answer 7

• an immune response that doesn’t involve antibodies
• T lymphocyte: directly kills infected cells
• Cytotoxic T lymphocyte: kill while sparing neighbouring uninfected cells