Immune System Flashcards
What are the 3 cells of the immune system
lymphocytes, antigen presenting cells (APCs) and reticular cells
What is the function of reticular cells?
to create a connective tissue scaffolding to house lymphocytes.
synthesize collagen to produce reticular fibers.
where are APCs found?
in lymphoid organs and other tissues/areas that are regularly exposed to antigens
What are APCs derived from?
Bone marrow
What are some types of antigen presenting cells?
Dendritic cells, langerhans cells, macrophages, B-cells
What is the purpose of a primary lymphoid tissue?
a site of maturation for lymphocytes
What are the primary lymphoid tissues?
thymus, bursa of fabricus, ilocecal peyer’s patches, bone marrow
What is the purpose of a secondary lymphoid tissue?
site of function for lymphocytes
What are the secondary lymphoid tissues?
tonsils, spleen, lymph nodes, peyer’s patches
What will you find in the cortex of the thymus?
T-cells at various stages of maturation
What will you find in the medulla of the thymus?
fully mature T-cells
How do you differentiate the thymus cortex from the medulla on a slide?
the medulla is lighter staining and has fewer lymphocytes
Explain the blood flow to the cortex of the thymus
continuous capillaries penetrate the cortex - prevents immature lymphocytes from entering circulation
Explain the blood flow to the thymus medulla
the epithelial reticular cells coving blood vessels is incomplete to the venules at the cortico-medullary juntion are permeable to macromolecules and cells. (sinusoidal capillaries) Allows mature lymphocytes to enter circulation.
common features of secondary lymphoid tissues:
presence of nodules/follicles
sites for immunologic surveillance
localizes the immune responses
what do nodules/follicles primarily consist of?
B-cells
Function of a lymph nodule
collect antigen moving through lymph in the body and filters it before returning it to the bloodstream. Trap antigens and present thm to B or T-cells
function of the spleen
traps antigen circulating in the blood
What is MALT
mucosa associated lymphatic tissue (i.e. tonsils)
function of MALTs
traps antigens attempting to enter the body through the mucosa and skin
How can you tell if a lymph nodule is active?
Presence of germinal center (within the mantle or corona)
If within a lymph node, it will enlarge
In what species will you find a hemal node?
ruminants
functions of lymph nodes
mechanical and phagocytic filtration of lymph
proliferation of lymphocytes
immune response: cellular or humoral response
Explain the flow of lymph through a lymph node
enters through afferent vessels which empty into the subscapular sinus. Lymph flows into the cortical sinuses, then flows into the medullary sinuses. Lymph leaves via efferent vessels at the hilus