Immune System and Lymphatic Organs Flashcards
Two general function of the lymphoid system(NONE)
General: facilitate immunity by:
Production of lymphocytes
Activation of lymphocytes
‘Self’ (NONE)
an organism’s own mecums (literally itself)
Non-self (NONE)
foreign molecules
Network and function of lymphatic vessels
➔ Lymphatic tubules travel alongside the blood vessels and collect extra fluid at the capillaries
➔ This fluid carries proteins, WBC’s, some RBC’s
➔ Connects chains of lymph nodes
➔ Tubules converge to form lymphatic ducts that carry the fluid to the lymph nodes for filtration & phagocytosis
➔ Eventually dumps the filtered fluid back into the venous system at the subclavian veins
➔ Right upper body drains to lymphatic trunkà right subclavian vein
➔ Rest of body drains to thoracic ductà left subclavian vein
Major network of lymph nodes
◆ Neck (cervical, occipital) ◆ Clavicular ◆ Axillary ◆ Bronchial ◆ Mediastinal ◆ Mesentery ◆ Iliac ◆ Inguinal
Immunocompetent cell
A cell that is able to recognize antigens and act against them
Immune response
How your body recognizes and defends itself against bacteria viruses, and substances that appear to be foreign and harmful
Humoral immunity
B cells differentiate into plasma cells which end up secreting antibodies that bind to specific antigens
Cellular immunity
Mediated by T cells that either:
- Secrete cytokines that act on B lymphocytes, on other T cells, and on inflammatory cells (macrophages & neutrophils
- Attack foreign cells
Memory cells
cell derived from B or T cells that can quickly recognize a foreign antigen to which the body has been previously exposed
Antigen-presenting cell (APC)
Immunocompetent cels that mediate the cellular immune response by processing and presenting antigens to T cells. Examples: macrophages, dendritic cells, B lymphocytes
Central lymphoid organs
Primary, sites of antigen independent lymphocyte generation. The bone marrow for B cells and thymus for T cells
Peripheral lymphoid organs
Secondary, where adaptive immune responses are initiated and include MALT, GALT, BALT, CALT
Waldeyer’s ring
composed of pharyngeal, palatine, and lingual tonsils which form a circle at the entrance of the gut and airway and monitors what comes into mouth and nose before it gets into the gut and lungs. The tonsils are an aggregate of partially encapsulated, confluent lymphoid follicles
Peyers patches
a group of lymphoid nodules in the mucosa of the ileum that response to foreign antigens in the GI tract
Immunoglobulin (Ig) antibody
a protein produced by B cells in response to one unique antigen. Combines with that specific antigen to destroy it
Antigen
any substance that causes your immune system to produce antibodies against it
Innate immunity (natural)
Most primitive immune response, fast. Specificity to pathogens is very broad and is programmed in germline DNA. Key players of this system who are directly involved in killing pathogens include macrophages, neutrophils, eosinophils, and NK cells. Dysfunctional activatio can lead to autoimmune diseases.