Lymphatic System Flashcards
What are the functions of the lymphatic system?
1) Aids cardiovascular system by removing interstitial fluid and returns it to the blood stream
2) Transports lipids and lipid-soluble vitamins from the digestive tract to the blood
3) Defends against infection by highly specific immune responses
What system is closely associated with the lymphatic system?
The cardiovascular system
Identify the components of the lymphatic pathways.
lymphatic capillaries, lymphatic vessels, lymph nodes, lymphatic vessels, docs (right lymphatic/thoracic)
Where do each the thoracic duct and right lymphatic duct empty?
Thoracic duct empties in to the left subclavian vein and it carries lymph that has drained from 3/4 of the body
Right lymphatic duct empties into the right subclavian vein . The right side above the diaphragm is drained from this duct.
What is lymph?
Lymph is tissue fluid that has entered the lymphatic capillaries
What is tissue fluid?
Tissue fluid is plasma and dissolved substances that leave the capillaries mainly by filtration
What are the similarities of lymph and plasma?
They contain water, small plasma proteins such as albumin, and dissolved substances
What are the differences of lymph and plasma?
Lymph does NOT contain erythrocytes or large plasma proteins
Identify the factors that promote lymph flow.
Contraction of skeletal muscles
Action of breathing muscles
Valves
What are lymph nodes?
They are structures located along the lymphatic vessels. Lymph flows through these nodes when returning to the blood stream
Where are the large groups of lymph nodes located?
- Cervical Region (head and neck)
- Axillary Region (arms and breasts)
- Inguinal Region (legs and groin)
- Thoracic Cavity (lungs)
- Abdominal Cavity (abdominal organs)
- Pelvic Cavity (pelvic organs)
What is the function of lymph nodes?
- A site for immune surveillance which is provides by macrophages and lymphocytes
- A site for rapid reproduction of lymphocytes
- A site for filtration of the lymph. They trap bacteria, viruses, and cellular debris that are then destroyed by phagocytes called macrophages
Where is lymphatic tissue located?
Lymph nodes Thymus gland Spleen Tonsils Peters Patches
What are the functions of the spleen?
- Store blood for emergency use
- Filter blood, removing pathogens and damaged blood cells that are destroyed by cells called macrophages
What are the bodies 5 tonsils?
The pharyngeal (adenoid) tonsil Palatine Tonsils (2) Lingual Tonsils (2)
What is the Peyer’s Patch?
Clusters of nodules located in the ileum of the small intestine
What external barriers provide the body’s first line of defence?
the skin and mucous membrane
Identify two chemical barriers used by the body?
- Lysozome (tears and saliva)
- Gastric juice (acidity of the stomach and vagina)
What causes inflammation?
Vasodilation of the blood vessels
What is the bodies second line of defence?
Inflammation, antimicrobial substances, fever and phagocytes
What are two antimicrobial substances?
- Interferons: Chemicals that encourage protection from viral infections and tumor cells
- The Complement System: Plasma proteins that enhance inflammation and phagocytosis
What is a fever?
Fever is an increase in boy temperature that helps the body by causing the liver and spleen to hoard iron which is necessary for bacterial growth. It also increases the strength of the immune response
What are the most active phagocytes in the body?
Neutrophils and Macrophages
What is specific immunity?
The processes that cause the body to produce specific cells or specific antibodies in response to a specific antigen
List the characteristics of Lymphocytes.
- Arise from stem cells during fetal development
- Originate from red bone marrow
- Undergo a process to become specialized (differentiation)
- Become immunocompetent, which means they become capable of responding to only one antigen
What lymphocytes differentiate in the thymus gland?
T cells
What are the two separate and specific responses that together give us immunity to specific diseases?
Cell mediated immune response and the anti-body mediated immune response
What is the overall goal of the cell mediated immune response?
For cytotoxic T cells to directly attack foreign substances (antigens)
What is the overall goal of antibody-mediated immune response?
For B cells to form plasma cells that secrete antibodies
What is the immunoglobin that forms anti-A and anti-B bodies associated with blood typing?
IgM
What is immunological memory?
The body’s resistance to specific antigens due to the presence of antibodies and memory lymphocytes
What is the primary immune response?
The first encounter with an antigen. Activated B cells proliferate forming plasma cells which produce antibodies. Memory cells are left to remember this antigen
What is the secondary immune response?
Any subsequent encounter with the same antigen. Antibodies are produced by activated B-cells (memory cells) more quickly preventing the disease from becoming established and often before any signs or symptoms appear.
What is active immunity?
Antibodies are produced by the body in response to an antigen
What is passive immunity?
Antibodies are introduced into the body (have been formed in another body)
Whats the difference between immunity produced naturally and immunity produced artificially?
Immunity produced naturally occurs by natural means (i.e. having the disease, being exposed to it, or through the placenta during pregnancy)
Immunity produced artificially occurs from the injection of a vaccine or ready made antibodies
