immune and lymphatic system Flashcards
what is the purpose of the immune system
*Protects the body against disease
and infection
*Does this by working both inside
and outside the body
*Works to STOP attackers from
getting into the body and to REACT
and DEFEND if the attackers do get
in.
what is pathogen
A pathogen is any organism that causes disease. Viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites are all examples of pathogens.
what are the 3 outcomes of exposure to a pathogen
- Immune system destroys the
pathogen - Immune system does not destroy
the pathogen, and no infection
develops - An infection develops sometime
after exposure to the pathogen
what is the difference between first line of defence and second line of defence
first line of defense
* mechanical & physical barriers -
e.g. intact skin, mucous membranes, etc.
* Chemical barriers - e.g. tears, perspiration, etc
* Reflexes - e.g. cough, sneeze, diarrhea, etc.
second line of defense
* inflammation – the release of histamine to an
injured area, causing blood vessels to dilate and
bring more blood to the area
* Phagocytosis – white blood cells digest and
destroy microorganisms or unwanted substances
* Fever – stimulates phagocythosis and decreases
the ability certain pathogens to multiply
what are the two types of lymphocytes and their purpose
B lymphocytes (B-
cells):
*Cells that cause production
of antibodies
T lymphocytes (T-
cells):
*Cells that destroy invading
cells
what is specific immunity
- antibodies
– proteins produced by B
lymphocytes
– recognize, attack, and destroy
specific antigens - antigens
– abnormal or unwanted substances
in the body, e.g. pathogens - lymphocytes
– WBCs which produce antibodies
– B cells & T cells are types of
lymphocytes
caregiving actions for client with a fever
keep client comfortable - unless
temp is becoming dangerously high,
then only cooling measures to be used
– warm blanket, or light sheet
– cool washcloth
– increase fluid intake
– rest
– comfortable room temp
– antipyretics (meds to decrease T, e.g.
acetaminophen) meds are a
delegated task
how to treat inflammation
- elevate the injured area (use gravity)
– to decrease further accumulation of fluid at the
area
– to help the area drain - application of cold
– to constrict vessels to slow swelling
– to numb the area and so decrease pain - application of heat
- usually not until a few days after injury
- to promote blood flow to area (dilate vessels)
- brings more O2 and nutrients to area
- helps remove wastes (e.g. from phagocytos
is)
effects of aging on the immune system
- Fewer and less responsive T cells
- B cells do not create antibodies as
fast - The number of antibodies produced
compared to antigen is decreased
(increase risk for pneumonia and
flu) - Cancerous tumor cells are not
identified and eliminated as quickly - Killer cells are less able to
distinguish the self from the non-
self
What is the lymphatic system function
1) Supports the Cardiovascular System
* returns excess fluid to the circulatory system
via lymphatic vessels
2) Immunity and Protection
* Lymph nodes, lymph tissue, and lymph
organs pick up debris, filter bacteria and aid
in developing immunity
what does the lymphatic system consist of
- lymph fluid
- lymph nodes
- lymph capillaries -> lymph vessels ->lymph
ducts - lymphatic tissue & organs
what are the structures and and organs in the lymphatic system
- Lymph node: site of filtration of the lymphatic
system – contain macrophages - Tonsils: small masses of lymph tissue – protect
throat and respiratory system - Lymph vessels
- Lymphocytes: white blood cells
- Spleen: organ that acts as a recycling unit and
filter system - Thymus: small gland that acts as a nursery to
T-cells
changing in the lymphatic system with aging
- Macrophages slow down – which destroys bacteria
and foreign cells slowly - Immune system struggles to distinguish self from
non-self, in return autoimmune system maybe more
common - Fewer white blood cells – less ability to defend
against infections - Older adults do not produce necessary proteins that
are needed for fighting against bacterial infections - Antibiotics less effective
- Very essential for booster shots
how does lymph move
- In response to contraction of the skeletal
muscles - Movement of the chest during respirations
- Contraction of smooth muscles
what are the two main ducts of the lymphatic system
right lymphatic duct empties at junction of right internal jugular and right subclavian veins
thoracic duct empties into junction of left internal jugular and left subclavian veins
