(Exam 3) Lymphatic System and Immunity

Question 1

name the two distinct parts (or systems) of the lymphatic system

Answer 1

1st part: (a network of vessels) that extends to ALL the tissues of the body
2nd part: (organs and tissues) that produce and maintain immune cells

Question 2

what are the core features of the lymphatic system?

Answer 2

fluid recovery (blood pressure maintenance), and the site of immune cells

Question 3

name the major organs and tissues of the lymphatic system

Answer 3

lymph vessels, lymph nodes, tonsils, thymus, spleen, bone marrow

Question 4

how much blood does the average human have?

Answer 4

4 to 6 liters

Question 5

describe the process of fluid recovery

Answer 5

capillaries are “leaky,” and 2-4 liters of interstitial fluid diffuses into the tissues daily. The lymph vessels reabsorb the interstitial fluid, and transport back to the blood vessels.

Question 6

what causes elephantiasis?

Answer 6

a parasite that infects lymph vessels and prevents the re-absorption of lymph fluid. this leads to edema in limbs and, over time, the skin stretches and thickens (testicles and breasts can also be affected)

Question 7

interstitial is filtered by what, for why?

Answer 7

by the lymph nodes, for pathogens

Question 8

describe the characteristics of the lymph nodes

Answer 8

they are bean shaped structures of lymph tissue, that contain lymphocytes (which help with immunity). Lymphocytes are a subset or type of white blood cell.

Question 9

what happens to your lymph nodes when you get sick?

Answer 9

they swell, and they become swollen and painful. This occurs because the body is issuing an immune response.