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