Immune and lymphatic system Flashcards
What is the immune system?
The immune system is our body’s defense system against harmful invaders like bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. It’s made up of different cells, tissues, and organs that
work together to recognize and attack anything that might cause us harm.
What does the immunes sytstem consist of?
There are two main parts:
the innate immune system, which isthe first line of defense and responds quickly to general threats. And the adaptive immune system, which takes longer to respond but is
more targeted and remembers specific invaders for future protection. Together, these parts help keep us
healthy by identifying and eliminating harmful substances.
Type of white blood cells?
lymphocytes, monocytes, neutrophils, basophils, eosinophils.
Neutrophil function?
Function: First responders to infection; they engulf
and digest bacteria and fungi.
Characteristics: Make up about 50-70% of WBCs;
have a multi-lobed nucleus.
Lymphocyte function?
B cells: Produce antibodies that target specific
pathogens.
T cells: Destroy infected or cancerous cells and
help regulate immune responses.
Natural Killer (NK) cells: Attack virus-infected
and tumor cells.
Comprise about 20-40% of
WBCs; large nucleus with little cytoplasm.
Monocyte function?
Function: Differentiate into macrophages and
dendritic cells; they engulf pathogens and
present antigens to T cells.
Characteristics: About 2-8% of WBCs; largest
type of WBC, with a kidney-shaped nucleus.
Basophil function:
Function: Release histamine during allergic
reactions and inflammation.
Characteristics: Least common, about
0.5-1% of WBCs; have large granules that
obscure the nucleus.
Eosinophil function:
Function: Fight parasitic infections and are
involved in allergic reactions.
Characteristics: Make up about 1-4% of WBCs;
have a bi-lobed nucleus and granules in the
cytoplasm.
How are antibodies structured?
Y-shaped proteins with four chains (two heavy, two light); contains variable and
constant regions.
What are the antibodies types?
IgA: Found in mucosal areas and secretions; protects mucosal surfaces.
IgM: First produced during infection; forms complexes and activates complement.
IgE: Involved in allergic reactions and fights parasites.
IgD: Located on B cells; role in B cell activation is less understood.
AMED
What is the lymphatic system?
is the system of vessels, cells, and organs that carries excess fluids to the bloodstream and filters pathogens from the blood.
It consists of a network of lymphatic vessels that carry a clear fluid called lymph directionally towards the heart.
How does the lymphatic system function as immune defense?
The first and probably most well-known function of the lymphatic system is defense against invading microorganisms and disease.
Lymph nodes and other lymphatic organs filter the lymph to remove microorganisms and other foreign particles.
Lymphatic organs contain B lymphocytes, T lymphocyte, and Phagocytes that destroy invading organisms.
How does the lymphatic system function in fat absorption?
The third function of the lymphatic system is the absorption of fats and fat-soluble vitamin from the digestive system and the subsequent transport of these substances to the venous circulation. The mucosa that lines the small intestine is covered with fingerlike projections called villi.
There are blood capillaries and special lymph capillaries, called lacteals in the center of each villus. The blood capillaries absorb most nutrients, but the fats and fat-soluble vitamins are absorbed by the lacteals. The lymph in the lacteals has a milky appearance due to its high fat content and is called chyle.
Functions of the lymphatic system?
immune defense, fluid balance, fat absorption.
What are the components of the lymphatic system?
lymph nodes, lymph vessels, lymph capillaries, lymph fluid, thymus, speel.
