Untitled Flashcards Set

Lymph

A clear watery liquid formed from interstitial fluid found between cells.

Interstitial fluid

Fluid found between cells; 90% diffuses back into capillaries and 10% enters lymphatic vessels.

Lymphatic vessels

Vessels that carry lymph to lymph nodes.

Lymph capillaries

Lymph vessels with 'dead ends' that are lined with overlapping epithelial cells.

Lymph nodes

Capsules of connective tissue that filter lymph and contain germinal centers.

Germinal centers

Areas in lymph nodes where rapid mitosis of immune cells occurs.

Afferent vessels

Lymphatic vessels that bring lymph to lymph nodes, causing it to slow down.

Efferent vessels

Lymphatic vessels that carry lymph away from lymph nodes.

Right lymphatic duct

One of the large ducts in the chest that carries lymph.

Thoracic duct

The main lymphatic duct that drains lymph into the venous circulation.

Spleen

An organ that filters blood and is located in the upper left abdomen.

White pulp

Part of the spleen composed of lymphatic tissues and lymph nodules for filtering blood.

Red pulp

Part of the spleen that removes worn out red blood cells and serves as a reservoir for stored blood.

Thymus

An organ associated with the endocrine and lymphatic systems, responsible for T-lymphocyte maturation.

Thymic education

The process where T-lymphocytes learn to recognize foreign invaders.

MALTS

Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissues that can be scattered or bundled together.

Tonsils

A protective ring of lymphoid tissue that traps foreign invaders.

Peyer's patches

Lymphoid tissues in the intestine that filter bacteria from food.

Appendix

A structure that restricts bacteria to the GI tract.

Innate immunity

The body's initial defense against pathogens, including external and internal mechanisms.

Phagocytes

Immune cells that 'eat' foreign invaders (e.g., neutrophils and macrophages).

Natural killer cells

Cells that destroy infected or abnormal body cells based on the absence of 'self' receptors.

Complement proteins

Proteins that work with other defenses to lyse bacteria.

Interferons

Warning signals secreted by virally infected cells.

Cytokines

Chemical signals used to help cells communicate during an immune response.

Specific immune response

An immune response triggered by antigens leading to the activation of lymphocytes.

Humoral immunity

Immune response mediated by B cells producing antibodies.

B lymphocytes

Immune cells that recognize foreign antigens and can produce memory B cells.

Plasma B cells

B cells that neutralize or immobilize antigens and activate macrophages.

Active immunity

Immunity developed through the production of the individual's own antibodies.

Passive immunity

Immunity acquired through the transfer of antibodies from another individual.

Natural immunity

Immunity acquired through infection (e.g., contraction of flu virus).

Artificial immunity

Immunity acquired through medical intervention (e.g., flu vaccine).

APCs (Antigen-Presenting Cells)

Cells that engulf antigens and present them to other immune cells.

MHC-2

A receptor on APCs where antigens are presented for T-cell recognition.

Cell mediated response

The immune response mediated by T cells after recognizing foreign antigens.

Helper T cells

T cells that are activated by APCs and stimulate other immune cells.

Cytotoxic T cells

T cells that directly kill infected cells.

Regulatory T cells

Cells that release chemicals to slow down the immune response after the threat is eliminated.

Memory T cells

T cells that remain after an infection for a faster response upon re-exposure.

Vaccines

Substances that mimic the first infection, preparing the immune system for future encounters with an antigen.

Plasma B cells functions

Neutralization, immobilization (agglutination), and activation of macrophages.

Swift response

The quick action of memory B cells upon re-encountering the same antigen.

Specific antibody production

The generation of antibodies tailored to specific antigens.

Lymphoid organs

Organs such as spleen and thymus that contribute to immune response.

Edema

Swelling caused by fluid accumulation, aiding macrophages during inflammation.

Pyrogenic response

Fever response induced by pyrogens in response to infection.

Basophils and mast cells

Cells that release histamine to promote inflammation.

Pathogen trapping

The action of mucous membranes in trapping and sweeping pathogens.

Defensive barriers

Mechanical and chemical means of preventing pathogen entry, such as skin and mucous membranes.

Lymphatics

The network of vessels that transport lymph throughout the body.

Antigen recognition

The ability of B and T cells to identify foreign substances in the body.