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Lymphatic System
A system that drains excess interstitial fluid, transports dietary lipids and lipid-soluble vitamins, and facilitates the immune response.
Interstitial Fluid
Fluid that surrounds tissue cells and is similar in composition to lymph.
Lymph
A fluid that is formed from interstitial fluid and transports nutrients and immune cells.
Lymphatic Vessels
Resemble veins but have thinner walls and more valves, responsible for transporting lymph.
Lymphatic Capillaries
Smallest vessels of the lymphatic system, blind-ended, with greater permeability than blood capillaries.
Lacteals
Lymphatic capillaries located in the small intestines that transport dietary lipids.
Lymph Nodes
Small, bean-shaped structures that filter lymph and contain immune cells like macrophages, T and B lymphocytes.
Lymphadenitis
Inflammation of the lymph nodes, causing swelling near an infection site.
Lymphangitis
Inflammation of the lymph vessels, usually appearing as a reddish streak near an infection site.
Thoracic Duct
The largest lymphatic vessel that drains lymph from the majority of the body back into the venous system.
Right Lymphatic Duct
Drains lymph from the right arm and right side of the head and neck.
Passive Lymph Flow
Movement of lymph driven by valves, gravity, skeletal muscle contraction, and respiratory movement.
Thymus
Primary lymphatic organ that produces hormones for T cell development.
Spleen
Largest mass of lymphatic tissue that filters blood and removes pathogens and old red blood cells.
MALT
Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue that protects mucosal surfaces; includes tonsils and Peyer's patches.
Phagocytes
Immune cells, such as neutrophils and macrophages, that engulf and digest pathogens.
Natural Killer Cells
Lymphocytes that can kill a wide variety of pathogens and cancerous cells.
Complement System
A group of proteins that enhances phagocytosis and can destroy pathogens.
Inflammation
A defensive response to tissue injury or infection characterized by redness, swelling, pain, and heat.
Active Immunity
Occurs when a person produces their own antibodies in response to an antigen.
Passive Immunity
Occurs when a person receives antibodies from another source, providing temporary protection.
Memory Cells
Long-lived immune cells that remember past infections and respond more rapidly on re-exposure.
Antigen Presentation
The process by which antigen-presenting cells display foreign antigens to T cells, initiating an immune response.
Helper T Cells
A subset of T cells that stimulate B cells and other T cells in the immune response.
Cytotoxic T Cells
T cells that attack and destroy infected or abnormal cells.
AIDS
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome; a condition resulting from HIV infection that weakens the immune system.
Autoimmune Diseases
Conditions where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues.
Allergic Reactions
An overreaction of the immune system to harmless substances, often resulting in increased inflammation.
