U4A1: 7E THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM Flashcards
the lymphatic system
large network of vessels throughout the body through which lymph flows.
functions of the lymphatic system
- transportaiton of APCs to secondary lymphoid tissues for recognition and initiation of the adaptive immune response
- production of leukocytes
- removal of fluid from tissues
- absorption of fatty acids from digestive system
role of primary lymphoid tissues
responsible for the creation and maturation of lymphocytes.
location of primary lymphoid tissues
creation of B and T lymphocytes occurs in bone marrow.
B lymphocytes mature in bone marrow.
T lymphocytes mature in thymus.
role of secondary lymphoid tissues
responsible for maintaining mature lymphocytes and initiating adaptive immune response.
location of secondary lymphoid tissues
lymph nodes and spleen
immune-related purposes of the lymphatic system
it acts as a transport network for APCs and serves as the site for initiating the adaptive immune response.
stages of the lymphatic system
- drainage
- flow
- surveillance
lymphatic drainage
lymphatic capillaries are small vessels throughout the tissues of the body that collect fluid and pathogens in the tissue. once fluid enters the capillaries it is known as lymph and is transported to lymph node.
lymphatic flow
lymphatic capillaries gradually join together to form larger vessels that contain an increasing amount of lymph. vessels rely on surrounding muscle movements to squeeze lymph through the system through one-way valves.
lymphatic surveillance
fluid arrives at lymph nodes via afferent lymphatic vessels. here, lymph travels through clusters of B + T cells. APCs and pathogens are likely to meet a complementary lymphocyte and stimulate clonal selection. antibodies and cytotoxic T cells exit the lymph via efferent lymphatic vessels. this lymph is returned near the heart, where lymphatic vessels join with veins returning blood to pump lymph around the body.
