Lymphatic and Immune Systems Flashcards
Primary function of the lymphatic system
cleanse the body’s cellular environment by draining toxins back into the blood
primary function lymphatic system
works in cooperation with the immune system to protect the body from harmful substances (bodys first response against disease)
lymph/o
the fluid that removes cellular waste products, pathogens, and dead blood cells from the tissues
lymphangi/o
the capillaries, vessels, and ducts that return lymph from the tissues to the venous bloodstream
lymphaden/o
bean-shaped structures of the lymphatic system where pathogens and other harmful substances are filtered from the lymph by specialized cells of the immune system
tonsill/o, adenid/o
lymphoid structures of the lymphatic system that protect the entry to the respiratory system
splen/o
a sac-like mass of lymphoid tissue with protective roles in both the immune and lymphatic systems
myel/o
produces lymphocytes, which are specialized leukocytes (white blood cells). Myel/o also means spinal cord
thym/o
a gland located in the upper chest with specialized roles in both the lymphatic and immune systems
anti-
against
carcin/o
cancerous
immun/o
immune, protection, safe
lymph/o
lymph, lymphatic tissue
lumphaden/o
lymph node or gland
lymphangi/o
lymph vessel
neo-, ne/o
new, strange
-oma
tumor, neoplasm
onc/o
tumor
phag/o
eat, swallow
-plasm
formative material of cells
sarc/o
fresh, connective tissue
splen/o
spleen
-tic
pertaining to
tox/o
poison, poisonous
acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
The most advances and fatal stage of an HIV infection
allergen
a substance that produces an allergic reaction in an individual
anaphylaxis
a severe response to an allergen which the symptoms develop quickly, and without help the patient can die within a few minutes
antibiotics
a medication that is capable of inhibiting the growth of or killing pathogenic bacterial microorganisms
antibody
a disease-fighting protein created by the immune system in response to the presence of a specific antigen
antifungal
an agent that destroys or inhibits the growth of fungi
antigen
any substance that the body regards as foreign
antigen-antibody reaction
the binding of antigens to antibodies
autoimmune disorder
any of a large group of disease characterized by a condition in which the immune system produces antibodies to work against its own tissues, mistaking healthy cells, tissues, or organs for antigens
bacilli
rod-shaped spore-forming bacteria
bacteria
a group of one-celled microscopic organisms, some of which are pathogenic
benign
not life-threatening
candidiasis
an infection caused by yeast, a type of fungus
carcinoma
a malignant tumor that occurs in epithelial tissue
carcinoma in situ
a malignant tumor in its original position that has not yet disturbed or invaded the surrounding tissues
complement system
a group of proteins that normally circulate in the blood in an inactive form. When needed, these cells complement the ability of antibodies to ward off pathogens by combining with them to dissolve and remove pathogenic bacteria and other foreign cells
cytokines
a group of proteins such as interferons and interleukins released primarily by the T cells that act as intracellular signals to begin the immune response
cytomegalovirus
a group of large herpes-type viruses found in most body fluids and most often causing an infection without signs or symptoms. Can cause a serious illness when the individual has a weakened immune system or when passed from mother to unborn child
cytotoxic drug
medication that kills or damages cells
ductal carcinoma in situ
breast cancer at its earliest stage, before the cancer has broken through the wall of the milk duct
hemolytic
describes the function of destroying worn-out erythrocytes (red blood cells) and releasing their hemoglobin for reuse
herpes zoster
an acute viral infection characterized by painful skin eruptions that follow the underlying route of the inflamed nerve
Hodgkin’s lymphoma
a malignancy of the lymphatic system that is distinguished from non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma by the presence of large, cancerous lymphocytes
human immunodeficiency virus
a blood-borne infection in which the virus damages or kills the T cells of the immune system
immunoglobulins
bind with specific antigens in the antigen-antibody response
immunosuppressant
a substance that prevents or reduces the body’s normal immune response
immunotherapy
a treatment of disease by either stimulating or repressing the immune response
infectious mononucleosis
an infection caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) that is characterized by fever, a sore throat, and enlarged lymph nodes
infiltrating ductal carcinoma
breast cancer that starts in the milk duct, breaks through the wall of that duct, and invades the surrounding fatty breast tissue; also known as invasive ductal carcinoma
interferons
produced in response to the presence of antigens, particularly viruses or tumor cells. They activate the immune system, fight viruses, and signal other cells to increase their defenses
lymphadenopathy
any disease process affecting a lymph node or nodes
lymphangioma
a benign tumor formed by an abnormal collection of lymphatic vessels due to a congenital malformation of the lymphatic system
lymphedema
swelling due to an abnormal accumulation of lymph fluid within the tissues
lymphocytes
one of three types of cells that are formed in bone marrow as stem cells that act as specialized antibodies
lymphoma
a general term applied to malignancies affecting lymphoid tissues
lymphoma
a general term applied to malignancies affecting lymphoid tissues
lymphoscintigraphy
a diagnostic test to detect damage or malformations of the lyphatic vessels
macrophage
a type of leukocyte that surrounds and kills invading cells
malaria
a disease caused by a parasite that lives in certain mosquitoes and is transferred to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito
malignant
becoming progressively worse and life-threatening
mammography
a radiographic examination of the breasts to detect the presence of tumors or precancerous cells
metastasis
the process by which cancer is spread to a new site; may refer to the tumor itself
metastasize
to spread from one place to another
myoma
a benign tumor made up of muscle tissue
myosarcoma
a malignant tumor derived from muscle tissue
non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
the term used to describe all lymphomas other than Hodgkin’s lymphoma
opportunistic infection
caused by a pathogen that normally does not cause illness in healthy humans, but is able to cause an infection in a weakened host
osteosarcoma
a hard-tissue sarcoma usually involving upper shaft of long bones, the pelvis, or the knees
parasite
a plant of an animal that lives on or within another living organism at the expense of that organism
rabies
an acute viral infection transmitted to humans through the bite or saliva or an infected animal
rickettsia
small bacteria that live in lice, fleas, ticks, and mites that transmit infection to humans
rubella
a viral infection characterized by a low-grade fever, swollen glands, inflamed eyes, and a fine, pink rash; also known as German measles or 3-day measles
sarcoma
a malignant tumor that arises from connective tissue; plural, sarcomas or sarcomata
spirochetes
long, slender spiral-shaped bacteria that have flexible walls and are capable of movement
splenomegaly
abnormal enlargement of the spleen
staphylococci
group of about 30 species of bacteria that form irregular groups or clusters resembling grapes
streptococci
bacteria that form a chain
systemic reaction
a severe reaction to an allergen; also described as anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock
teletherapy
radiation therapy administered at a distance from the body that is precisely targeted with the use of three-dimensional computer imaging
toxoplasmosis
a parasite that is most commonly transmitted from pets to humans by contact with contaminated animal feces
varicella
a highly contagious disease caused by a herpes virus characterized by a fever and rash; also known as chickenpox
3 main functions of the lymphatic system are to:
- absorb fats and fat-soluble vitamins through the lacteals of the small intestine
- Remove waste products from the tissues and cooperate with the immune system in destroying invading pathogens
- Return filtered lymph to the veins at the base of the neck
villi
the lining of the small intestine, small fingerlike projections contains lacteals and blood vessels
lacteals
specialized structures of the lymphatic system that absorbs those fats that cannot be transported by the blood stream. These dietary fats are transformed in the cells of the lacteals. The lymphatic vessels then return them to the venous circulation so they can be used throughout the body as nutrients.
The blood vessels absorb the nutrients, fats, and fat-soluble vitamins from the digested food directly into the blood stream for use throughout the body.
Interstitial fluid
also known as intercellular or tissue fluid, is plasma from arterial blood that flows out of the arterioles and into the capillaries, and then flows into the spaces between the cells of the tissues.
-This fluid delivers nutrients, oxygen and hormones to the cells
-when interstitial fluid leaves the cells, it brings with it waste products and protein molecules that were created within the cells. About 90% of this fluid returns to the bloodstream.
Lymph
is made up of the remaining 10% of the returning interstitial fluid. Lymph is a clear, watery fluid containing electrolytes and proteins. It plays essential roles in the lymphatic system as it works in close cooperation with the immune system.
-Lymph collects the protein molecules created within the cells as it leaves. Lymph also removed dead cells, debris, and pathogens (including cancer cells) from the intercellular spaces
-The lymph enters very small capillaries within the tissues and then flows into progressively larger vessels and ducts as it travels in a one-way trip upward toward the neck.
-At this stage, the lymph begins to play an active role in cooperation with the immune system to protect the body against invading microorganisms and diseases. These functions are described in the discussion of the immune system
lymphatic circulatory system
and blood circulatory system work closely together, and because of these similarities the lymphatic circulatory system is often referred to as the secondary circulatory system.
- Blood circulates throughout the entire body in a loop, pumped by the heart. The blood stream flows in an open system in which it leaves and reenters the blood vessels through the capillaries
-Since the lymphatic system does not have a pump-like organ, it must depend on the pumping motion of muscles to move the fluid.
-Lymph flows in only one direct. From its point of origin, lymph can move only upward until it returns to the circulatory system at the base of the neck. Once lymph enters a lymphatic capillary, it must continue this upward flow.
Blood is filtered by ____
the kidneys, and waste products are excreted by the urinary system. Lymph is filtered by lymph nodes, which are located alone lymphatic vessels. These nodes contain specialized cells of the immune system.
Blood color makes
the arteries and veins readily visible. Since lymph is a clear fluid, the lymphatic vessels are not readily visable
Lymphatic Capillaries
are microscopic, blind-ended (sealed on one end) tubes located near the surface of the body with capillary walls that are only one cell in thickness. These cells separate briefly to allow the lymph to enter the capillary. Then the action of the cells as they close forces the lymph to flow upward and forward.
Lymphatic vessels
Lymph flows from the lymphatic capillaries into progressively larger lymphatic vessels, which are located deeper within the tissues. Like veins, lymphatic vessels have valves to prevent the backward flow of lymph.
Right lymphatic duct
collects lymph from the right side of the head and neck, the upper right quadrant of the body, and the right arm. The right lymphatic duct empties into the right subclavian vein.
Subclavian vein
is the proximal part of the main vein of the arm
thoracic duct
the largest lymphatic vessel in the body, collects lymph from the left side of the head and neck, the upper left quadrant of the trunk, the left arm, the entire lower portion of the trunk, and both legs. The thoracic duct empties into the left subclavian vein
lymph nodes
small, bean-shaped node containing specialized lymphocytes that are capable of destroying pathogens. Unfiltered lymph flows into the nodes, and here, the lymphocytes destroy harmful substances such as bacteria, viruses, and malignant cells. Additional structures within the node filter the lymph to remove other impurities. After these processes are complete, the lymph leaves the node and continues its journey to become part of the venous circulation again.
Cervical lymph nodes
located along side the neck
Cervic
neck
axillary lymph nodes
located under the arms in the area known as the armpits
axill
armpit
inguinal lymph nodes
located in the inguinal (groin) area of the lower abdomen
inguin
groin
Lymphocytes
also known as lymphoid cells, are leukocytes that are formed in bone marrow as stem cells. Lymphocytes work together with the body’s organs to defend the body against antigens
antigen
any substance that the body regards as being foreign. This includes viruses, bacteria, toxins, and transplanted tissues
Three types of lymphocytes
natural killer cells, B cells, and T cells
Maturation
process of becoming mature
Differentation
means to be modified to perform a specific function. These changes enable these lymphocytes to act as specialized antibodies that are capable of attacking specific antigens
Natural killer cells (NK Cells)
play an important role in the killing of cancer cells and cells infected by viruses
B Cells
also known as B lymphocytes, are specialized lymphocytes that produce antibodies. Each lymphocyte makes a specific antibody that is capable of destroying a specific antigen
-B cells are the most effective against viruses and bacteria that are circulating in the blood. When a B cell is confronted with the antigen that is coded to destroy, that B cell is transformed into a plasma cell
Plasma cells
develop from B cells and secrete a large volume of antibodies coded to destroy specific antigens
T cells
also known as T Lymphocytes, get the T in their name from their origin in the thymus. These lymphocytes play a central role in cell-mediated immunity.
Cytokines
are a group of protein such as interferons and interleukins released primarily by the T cells. These cells act as intracellular signals to begin the immune respone
Interferons
are produced in response to the presence of antigens, particularly viruses or tumor cells. Interferons active the immune system, fight viruses by slowing or stopping their multiplication, and signal other cells to increase their defenses
Interleukins
play multiple roles in the immune system, including directing B and T cells to divide and proliferate
Tonsils
are three masses of lymphoid tissue that form a protective ring around the back of the nose and upper throat. The tonsils play an important role in the immune system by preventing pathogens from entering the respiratory system when breathing through the nose and mouth