Chapter 11: The Lymphatic System

Vocabulary flashcards summarizing key concepts from Chapter 11: The Lymphatic System.

Lymphatic System

A network that circulates lymph, aiding in fluid balance, immunity, and lipid absorption.

Lymph

A fluid derived from blood, containing fewer proteins, that washes over tissues to deliver nutrients and remove waste.

Pathogen

An organism or material that can cause disease, such as bacteria or viruses.

Immune Response

The body's defense mechanism against pathogens, involving specific and nonspecific defenses.

APC (Antigen-Presenting Cell)

Cells that present antigens on their surface to activate T-cells in the immune response.

T cell (T lymphocyte)

A type of lymphocyte that plays a central role in cell-mediated immunity.

B cell (B lymphocyte)

A type of lymphocyte that produces antibodies for humoral immunity.

Lymph Node

An organ that filters lymph and is involved in the immune response.

Spleen

An organ that filters blood, stores red blood cells, and plays a role in immune responses.

Thymus Gland

An organ where T cells mature and learn to distinguish between self and foreign antigens.

Natural Killer (NK) Cells

Type of lymphocyte that destroys virally infected cells and tumor cells.

Nonspecific Defense

General defenses against pathogens that do not adapt or remember previous encounters.

Specific Immunity

The adaptive immune response that targets specific pathogens and retains memory for faster response upon reexposure.

Humoral Immunity

Immune response involving B cells and the production of antibodies.

Cellular Immunity

Immune response involving T cells that directly kill infected or cancerous cells.

Inflammation

A localized response to injury or infection that involves blood flow, immune cell recruitment, and tissue repair.

Lymphatic Vessels

Structures that carry lymph back to the bloodstream.

Peyer’s Patches

Small masses of lymphatic tissue found in the small intestine that protect against pathogens.