Lymphatic System by Haley Nordwick

These flashcards cover key terms and definitions related to the lymphatic system based on the provided lecture notes.

Lymphoid organs

Provide structure for the immune system, housing lymphocytes and phagocytic cells.

Lymph capillaries

More permeable vessels that can take up a greater variety of molecules and particles.

Increased permeability

Facilitated by mini valves and large lumens in lymph capillaries.

Right lymphatic trunk

Drains the right upper arm, right side of head, and thorax.

Lymphangitis

Condition where lymphatic vessels appear as red painful lines under the skin.

Lymph flow

Acts more like veins due to its structure and function.

Propulsion of lymph

Achieved by milking from skeletal muscles, pressure changes during breathing, and contractions of smooth muscle walls.

Lymphedema

Severe localized edema caused by a blocked lymphatic system.

Causes of lymphedema

Infection, autoimmune diseases, and removal of lymphatics.

T lymphocytes functions

Immune response, attack and destroy infected cells, and hold immune memory.

B lymphocytes functions

Secrete antibodies and aid in the immune response.

Dendritic cells function

Capture antigens and deliver them to lymph nodes.

Functions of lymphoid tissues

Provide sites for lymphocyte proliferation and entry points for antigens.

Germinal centers

Contain proliferating B cells.

Primary lymphoid organs

Bone marrow and thymus where lymphocytes mature.

Secondary lymphoid organs

Include lymph nodes and spleen, where mature lymphocytes encounter antigens.

Functions of lymph nodes

Cleanse lymph and activate the immune system.

Deep cortex of lymph nodes

Contains T cells that are in transit.

Lymph stagnation

Occurs due to fewer efferent vessels than afferent vessels allowing macrophages to function.

Distinguishing cancerous lymph nodes

Cancerous lymph nodes are often not painful.

Spleen functions

Stores and breaks down red blood cells, stores platelets, aids in immune surveillance.

Largest part of MALT

Includes the spleen, tonsils, appendix, and Peyer's patches.

Function of tonsils

Remove pathogens from food and air.

Medulla of the thymus

Contains T lymphocytes and thymic corpuscles.

Thymic corpuscles

Where regulatory T cells develop, preventing autoimmune responses.

Thymus differences

Has no follicles and does not directly fight antigens.

Lymphatic vessels

Collect excess fluid from interstitial spaces.

Return of fluid sequence

Arteries, blood capillaries, lymphatic vessels, subclavian veins.

Antigens

Substances the body recognizes as foreign, including bacteria and viruses.

Buboes

Inflamed and swollen lymph nodes.

Substances entering lymph capillaries

Include bacteria, large proteins, and interstitial fluid.

Largest lymphoid organ

The spleen.

Tonsils and memory

Promote memory of pathogens by trapping them.

Non-mesoderm derived lymphoid organ

Thymus.

Thymus composition

Made up of epithelial tissue.

Mini valves

Structures in lymph capillaries that increase permeability.

Lymphatic system

Drains excess fluid from tissues and fights infection.

Bacteria as antigens

Recognized by the immune system and provoke a response.

Interstitial fluid

Fluid in spaces between cells, collected by lymphatic vessels.

Thymus role in immunity

Helps T cells become immunocompetent.

Spleen and lymphocytes

Site for lymphocyte proliferation and immune response support.

MALT function

Protects against pathogens breaching mucosal tissue.

Lymph nodes role

Act as filters for foreign particles and also house immune cells.

Pathogens

Microorganisms that can cause disease.

Immune response

The body's defensive reaction to foreign substances.

Macrophages

Large phagocytic cells that engulf and digest pathogens.

Phagocytosis

Process by which cells engulf and digest particles.

Lymphocyte activation

Occurs in secondary lymphoid organs upon encountering antigens.

Cytotoxic T cells

Specialized T cells that kill infected or cancerous cells.