Outline The Role Of The Lymphatic System In Immunity

Question 1

Explain the lymphatic system and immunity

Answer 1

The lymphatic system maintains the fluid balance by returning tissue fluid into the venous blood stream.

The lymphatic system contains lymphoid structure which contain lymphocytes. Lymphoid structures include the tonsils, thymus, spleen and bone marrow.

Lymph nodes filter lymphatic fluid as it passes through them.
Organic material is destroyed in the lymph nodes by antibodies and macrophages via phagocytosis.

Fluid may pass through several nodes before being filtered, cleared of foreign material and debris before being returned to the circulatory system.

Active T and B cells multiply in lymph nodes.

Question 2

Describe the tonsils in relation to their role

Answer 2

Tonsils are located in a protective ring under the mucous membranes in the mouth and back of the throat.
This ring is called the PHARYNGEAL LYMPHOID RING.
This ring of tonsils help protect against bacteria that may invade tissues in the area around the openings between the nasal and oral cavities.

Question 3

Describe the thymus in relation to its role

Answer 3

Thymus: immature lymphocytes are matured in the fetal thymus.

The thymus begins secreting a group of hormones (collectively called thymus in) and other regulators that enable lymphocytes to develop into mature T cells.

Question 4

Describe the spleen in relation to its role

Answer 4

As blood passes through the vessels of the spleen, macrophages lining these nervous spaces remove microorganism’s from the blood and destroy them by phagocytosis.