Lymph and immunity Flashcards
What is the primary function of the lymphatic system?
transport lymph around the body (similar to how a delivery service transports packages to different locations)
What is lymph composed of?
Lymph is like a river flowing through your body, made mostly of water, carrying special soldiers (white blood cells) and weapons (antibodies) to fight off invaders, while also helping to transport fat
How does lymph circulate in the body?
Muscular contractions force the movement of lymph around the body.
Name the three main locations where lymph nodes are found, why and what happens.
Lymph nodes are found in the neck, armpits, and groin. These nodes contain white blood cells, and when a person is sick, they tend to get hard due to increased white blood cell
Four main lymphatic organs
The four main lymphatic organs are Thymus, Bone Marrow, Spleen, and Tonsils & Adenoids.
What is the function of the thymus?
The thymus is like a factory that makes special soldiers called T-lymphocytes
What are T lymphocytes?
T lymphocytes are like a specially trained army that kills infected cells, specifically targeting cells hijacked by a virus if they have been marked by B cells.
What are B lymphocytes?
B lymphocytes are like specialized soldiers in your immune system that directly attack and destroy invading antigens
What is the difference between t and b cells
The B cells produce antibodies that are used to attack invading bacteria, viruses, and toxins. The T cells destroy the body’s own cells that have themselves been taken over by viruses or become cancerous.
What is bone marrow?
Bone marrow, a spongy substance found in the center of bones, manufactures stem cells, red blood cells, and white blood cells. It also removes old blood cells.
What is the function of the spleen in the lymphatic system?
The spleen controls the level of blood cells, filters the blood, and removes old or damaged red blood cells.
What are tonsils and adenoids?
Tonsils, filled with white blood cells, can prevent germs from entering the body through the mouth or nose. Adenoids provide extra protection for babies and children.
What is the main purpose of the immune system?
the immune system’s primary purpose is to protect the body from harmful substances that have entered, known as antigens. (unknown antigens)
What’s an antigen?
Antigens are harmful substances (an unknown antigen) that can turn into a sickness.
What are antibodies, and what is their role in the immune system?
Antibodies are like specialized soldiers that your body creates to identify and neutralize specific enemies (antigens) in order to protect you from harm.
