Lymphatic system – formation of lymph and its functions. Thymus. Functions of the spleen Flashcards
formation of lymph
lymph - function 1
works with colloid osmotic pressure + hydrostatic pressure to prevents edema
lymph function 2
lymph capillaries in small intestine called lacteals
- absorbs dietary fats + fat soluble vitamins in form chyle taken to bloodstream
lymph function 3
lymph nodes
- contain lymphocytes for immune response
lymph function 4
lymph carries waste like dead cells to be drained into lymph nodes
thymus list
structure
location
functions
thymus - structure
small bilobular lymphatic, endocrine organ
- x1 cortex
- x1 medulla
thymus - location
upper anterior quadrant of chest
behind sternum
between lungs
thymus - function 1
T CELL MATURATION
immature T cells are called thymocytes that come from hematopoietic stem cells
they migrate to thymus for maturation
thymic cortex
- cells undergoes positive selection to recognise self MHC
- cells that fail this = apoptosis
thymic medulla
- cells that react too strongly to self antigens are eliminated to prevent autoimmune disease
- cells that survive, mature desired T cell
thymus - function 2
HORMONAL FUNCTIONS
thymyosin/ thymopoietin/ thymulin
= help differentiation + maturation of T cells
thymus - function 3
thymus undergoes involution where its structure/function shrinks with age to be replaced with adipose tissue
spleen list
location
structure
functions
spleen - location
upper left abdomen
under diaphragm
spleen structure 1
red pulp
- sinusoids filled with blood
spleen structure 2
white pulp
- lymphoid tissue with WBC
