The Lymphatic and Immune Systems Flashcards
primary function of lymph
remove cellular waste products, pathogens and dead blood cells from the tissues
primary function of lymphatic vessels and ducts
return lymph from the tissues to the venous bloudstream
lymph nodes
bean-shaped structures where pathogens and other harmful substances are filtered from the lymph
tonsils and adenoids
lymphoid structures that protect the entry to the respiratory system
spleen
sac-like mass of lymphoid tissue with protective roles in both the immune and lymphatic systems
primary role of bone marrow
produces lymphocytes, which are specializes leukocytes
lymphocytes
specialized leukocytes that play important roles in immune reactions
3 main functions of the lymphatic system
- absorb fats and fat-soluble vitamins through the lacteals of the small intestine
- remove waste products from the tissues and help immune system destroy invading pathogens
- return filtered lymph to the veins
lackteals
specialized structures that absorb fats that can not be transported by the bloodstream
interstitial fluid
aka intercellular or tissue fluid; plasma from arterial blood that delivers nutrients, oxygen and hormones to cells
lymph
a clear, watery fluid; collects protein molecules, removes dead cells, debris and pathogens and returns to the back of the neck
lymphatic circulatory system
aka secondary circulatory system; where blood circulates in a loop pumped by the heart in only one direction from it’s origin, returning to the circulatory system at the base of the neck
lymphatic capillaries
microscopic, sealed on one end tubes located near the surface of the body with narrow capillary walls.
lymphatic vessels
located deeper within the tissues; have valves to prevent the backward flow of lymph
right lymphatic duct
collects lymph from the right side of the head and neck, upper right quadrant of the body and the right arm; empties into the right subclavian vein
thoracic duct
the largest lymphatic vessel in the body, collects lymph from the left side of the head and neck, the left upper quadrant, left arm and both legs; empties into the left subclavian vein
lymph node
contains specialized lymphocytes that are capable of destroying pathogens
Name 3 major groups of lymph nodes and their location
- cervical lymph nodes are located along the sides of the neck
- axillary lymph nodes located under the arms in the armpits
- inguinal lymph nodes located in the groin area
lymphocytes
aka lymphoid cells are leukocytes that are formed in bone marrow as stem cells; defends the body against antigens
antigen
any substance that the body regards as foreign
3 types of lymphocytes
natural killer cells, B cells and T cells
The role of natural killer cells
killing cancer cells and cells infected by viruses
B cells
specialized lymphocytes that produce antibodies
plasma cells
develop from B cells and secrete a large volume of antibodies
T cells
aka T lymphocytes; play a central role in cell-mediated immunity
cytokines
group of proteins such as interferons and interleukins released primarily by T cells
interferons functions
produced in response to presence of antigens; activate the immune system, fight viruses by slowing or stopping their multiplication and signal other cells to increase defenses
interleukins roles
directs B cells and T cells to divide and proliferate
tonsils
are three masses of lymphoid tissue that form a protective ring around the back of the nose and upper throat; prevents pathogens from entering the respiratory system
thymus
a mass of lymphoid tissue located above the heart; secretes a hormone that stimulates maturation of lymphocytes into T cells
spleen’s functions (4)
filters microorganisms,
forms lymphocytes and monocytes,
has the hemolytic function of destroying worn-out erythrocytes and releasing their hemoglobin for reuse
stores extra erythrocytes and maintains the appropriate balance between cells and the plasma of blood
intact skin
wraps the body in a physical barrier to prevent invading organisms from entering the body
respiratory system
traps breathed-in foreign matter with nose hairs and the moist mucous membrane lining
tonsils form a protective ring around the throat
digestive system
uses the acid and enzymes to destroy invaders that are swallowed or consumed with food
antigen-antibody reaction
aka immune reaction; binds antigens to antibodies; labels dangerous antigens so it can be recognized and destroyed by other cells
tolerance
to an acquired unresponsiveness to a specific antigen
antibody
a disease-fighting protein created by the immune system in response to the presence of a specific antigen
phagocytes
specialized leukocytes that destroy cell debris, dust, pollen, and pathogens using the process called phagocytosis.
macrophage
a type of leukocyte that surrounds and kills invading cellsl
dendritic cells
specialized leukocytes that patrol the body searching for antigens that produce infections
complement system
a group of proteins that normally circulate the blood in an inactive form, when needed these cells ward off pathogens by combining with them to dissolve and remove pathogenic bacteria
complement means to complete or make whole
immunity
the state of being resistant to a specific disease
natural immunity
aka passive immunity; resistance to a disease without the administration of an antigen or exposure to a disease
acquired immunity
obtained by having had a contagious disease ie. being vaccinated
allergist
specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions of altered immunologic reactivity
immunologist
specializes in diagnosing and treating disorders of the immune system
lymphologist
a physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating disorders of the lymphatic system
oncologist
a physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating malignant disorders
lymphadenitis
aka swollen glands; an inflammation of the lymph nodes
lymphadenopathy
any disease process affecting a lymph node
lymphangioma
a benign tumor formed by an abnormal collection of lymphatic vessels due to a congenital malformation of the lymphatic system
ruptured spleen
a medical emergency that occurs when the covering of the spleen is torn
splenorrhagia
is abnormal bleeding from the spleen
splenomegaly
is an abnormal enlargement of the spleen
lymphoscintigraphy
a diagnostic test that is performed to detect damage or malformations of the lymphatic vessels
lymphedema
swelling of tissues due to an abnormal accumulation of lymph fluid within the tissues caused by damage to the lymphatic system that prevents lymph from draining properly
bioimpedance spectroscopy
noninvasive method of diagnosing lymphedema; measures the resistance to an electrical current passed through the affected limb
allergy
aka hypersensitivity; an overreaction by the body to a particular antigen
localized allergic response
itching , redness and burning where the skin has come into contact with the allergen.