Immune/Lymphatic System Flashcards
functions of the immune system
protects the body from pathogens and abnormal cells, based on recognition of antigens which trigger an immune response, lymphocytes neutralize the antigen
primary and secondary organs of the immune system
lymph nodes, spleen, thymus, bone marrow (no capsule), primary sites produce lymphocytes B in bone marrow T in Thymus, lymph nodes and spleen are secondary, this is where the immune response occurs
MALT and its subdivisions
mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue, GALT, NALT, BALT, VALT
function of lymphatic vessels
similar to blood capillaries but with no basal lamina; abundant in skin, beneath mucus membranes in the respiratory, gut, and urinary tracts, skeletal muscle helps move lymph fluid
function of lymph nodes
bean shaped secondary lymph organ that filtrates the lymph before it returns to the thoracic duct. It also produces lymphocytes and synthesizes antibodies
structure and function of palatine tonsils
stratified squamous epithelium, tonsillar crypts, dense fibrous connective tissue separates the tonsil from underlying tissue, defense against bacterial and viral infections
structure and function of lingual tonsils
buried at the base of the tongue, stratified squamous epithelium, mucus glands and skeletal muscle
structure and function of pharyngeal tonsils
cilliated pseudostratified columnar epithelium, tonsillar crypts
importance of the thymus
this is where lymphocytes from the bone marrow differentiate into mature T cells, and this is a site of hemopoeisis in fetal development
structure of the thymus
flat bi-lobed organ, lobes consist of smaller lobes separated by connective tissue trabeculae, has a cortex and medulla, Hassal’s corpuscles
structure and function of the spleen
filters blood, recycles iron, outer capsule is dense irregular connective tissue, trabeculae, red and white pulp
GALT
gut associated
NALT
nose associated
BALT
Bronchus associated
VALT
Vulvo-Vaginal associated
