Lymphatics

Lymphatic system

Cells, tissues, and organs responsible for maintaining normal blood volume, interstitial fluid composition, and immunity.

Lymph

Interstitial fluid that has entered a lymphatic vessel.

Lymphocyte

Type of leukocyte and primary cell of the lymphatic system, responsible for responding to pathogens, abnormal cells, and foreign proteins.

Lymphatic vessels

Vessels that carry lymph from peripheral tissues back to the venous system.

Interstitial fluid

Fluid that collects in the spaces between cells and can enter lymphatic capillaries.

Primary lymphoid organs

Sites where lymphocytes are formed or mature, such as red bone marrow and thymus gland.

Secondary lymphoid organs

Where lymphocytes are activated, including lymph nodes, tonsils, MALT, appendix, and spleen.

Lymphedema

Swelling due to blocked lymphatic drainage, often seen in limbs.

T cells

Thymus-derived lymphocytes involved in cell-mediated immunity.

B cells

Bone-marrow derived lymphocytes responsible for antibody-mediated immunity.

NK cells

Natural killer cells that perform immune surveillance by destroying abnormal cells.

Phagocytes

Cells that engulf and destroy foreign substances and pathogens.

Interferons

Proteins released by virus-infected cells that trigger the production of antiviral proteins in nearby cells.

Complement system

A system of proteins that assists antibodies in destroying pathogens by forming membrane attack complexes.

Innate immunity

Nonspecific immune response present at birth that does not distinguish between different types of threats.

Adaptive immunity

Specific immune response developed after exposure to antigens, involving T cells and B cells.

Antibody

A protein produced by B cells that binds to specific antigens to neutralize them.

Hypersensitivities

Excessive immune responses to antigens that can lead to allergic reactions.

Autoimmune disorders

Conditions where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own cells.

Immunodeficiency diseases

Conditions that result in a weakened immune response, often leading to increased susceptibility to infections.

Cytokines

Chemicals secreted by immune cells that promote cell interactions and activate various immune responses.

Vaccination

Administration of an antigen to stimulate the immune response and develop immunity.