Lymphatic System

Question 1

Lymphatic System Functions

Answer 1

• Immunity, produce lymphocytes as part of the immune system.
• Circulation, Return excess tissue fluid to the circulation.
• Digestion, Transport digested fats.
• It is responsible for the circulation of lymph, a fluid that leaks out of blood capillaries and coats the cells in interstitial spaces.

Question 2

Lymphatic Components

Answer 2

Lymphatic Capillaries- thin, walled vessels, drain excess fluid from interstitial spaces.
Lymphatic Vessels- Carry excess lymph fluid away from tissues.
Lymph Nodes- Filter foreign particles as part of the immune system.
Lymphatic Ducts- Lymph drains into a large lymphatic duct, these then empty into the circulatory system.
Lymphatic Tissues- Help protect against pathogens.
Lymphatic organs- spleen (produces lymphocytes and removes foreign material), Thymus ( also produces lymphocytes), Tonsils (Help prevent infection in the respiratory and digestive system.

Question 3

Lymph Nodes

Answer 3

The Lymph nodes can become enlarged in the presence of infection.
Those that are closest to the source of infection tend to become swollen.
Phagocytic cells within the lymph nodes filter out the foreign material from the lymph passing through.

Question 4

Thymus

Answer 4

The thymus is a gland associated with the lymphatic system.
It is located below the thyroid gland, beneath the sternum.
Primary function is to promote the development of specific cells of the immune system called T-Lymphocytes. Once mature, these cells leave the thymus and are transported via blood vessels to the lymph nodes and spleen.
Thymus also produces hormones that promote growth and maturation.

Question 5

T- Lymphocytes

Answer 5

Responsible for cell- mediated immunity, which is a immune response that involves the activation of certain immune cells to fight infection.
2 types of t- cells.
- Helper T cells.
- Killer T cells.

Question 6

Helper T cells

Answer 6

Orchestrate an immune response and play important roles in all arms of immunity.

Question 7

Killer T cells

Answer 7

Are able to see inside our bodies own cells simply by scanning their surface and recognising receptors.
Allows killer T-cells to hunt down and destroy cells that are infected with germs or that have become cancerous.

Question 8

B- Lymphocytes

Answer 8

Are produced in the bone marrow from stem cells.

Stem cells are able to recognise antigens and produce antibodies.