Lymphatics system & Immunology

Question 1

What are 3 functions of the Lymphatic system?

Answer 1

1. Drain the excess interstitial fluid from the tissue spaces and returns it to the blood
2. Transports lipids and lipid-soluble vitamins from the villi in the small intestine to the blood
3. Part of the immune system destroys microbes and cancerous or foreign cells

Question 2

Name three areas of lymphatic nodules

Answer 2

• Peyer’s patch in the ileum of the small intestine
• Appendix contains lymph tissue destroys bacteria
• Tonsils form ring at top of throat

Question 3

Describe the anatomical position of the spleen & state three functions of the spleen

Answer 3

Located in the left hypochondriac region between stomach and diaphragm.

• Remove damaged blood cells & platelets
• Store platelets (1/3 of the body’s supply)
• Production of blood cells during fetal life
• Performs immune functions as per lymph nodes

Question 4

Describe how / why cancer & infection spreads through the lymphatic tissue

Answer 4

Lymphatic nodes may be overwhelmed by numbers of pathogens that multiply causing infection in the lymph node or cancer cells which multiply forming a secondary tumor in the lymph

Question 5

Describe the differences between cancerous nodes and infected nodes

Answer 5

• Cancerous lymph nodes are firm, enlarged, non-tender, and fixed to underlying structures
• Infected lymph nodes are softer, enlarged, very tender & movable

Question 6

Define first-line immunity

Answer 6

Innate/non-specific, defenses which aim to prevent a wide variety of microorganisms from entering the body

Question 7

Define the second line immunity

Answer 7

innate/non-specific, defenses which help to eliminate a wide variety of microorganisms that have penetrated the body. Phagocytosis, inflammation, fever, antimicrobial substances

Question 8

Define third line immunity

Answer 8

-Helps to eliminate specific microbes which have penetrated the body & protect the host against future attacks by the same organism. They are called acquired / adaptive because they develop as a result of contact with the microbe

Question 9

Name the cells involved in phagocytosis and briefly describe the function of phagocytosis

Answer 9

• Neutrophils: Release chemicals (oxidants & bleach) to destroy bacteria
• Monocytes: Leave bloodstream and develop into macrophages – macrophages devour bacteria, fungi, spores, dust, dead body cells & cell debris.

Question 10

State the overall functions of inflammation

Answer 10

• Destroy the microbe
• Prevent the spread of the microbe
• Clear the site of cellular debris and dead microbes
• Repair the damaged tissue

Question 11

What are the 3 stages of inflammation

Answer 11

1. Vasodilation and increased blood vessel permeability

2.