The Lymphatic and Immune Systems

These flashcards cover key terms and definitions from the lecture notes on the lymphatic and immune systems, facilitating review and preparation for the exam.

Lymphatic system

A system that returns excess tissue fluid to the blood vascular system and collects lymph.

Lymph

The tissue fluid collected by lymphatic vessels; flows only toward the heart.

Lymphatic vessels

Vessels that collect tissue fluid from the capillaries and transport it as lymph.

Lymph nodes

Organs that filter lymph and cleanse it of pathogens; approximately 500 in the human body.

Lymphoid organs

Organs including the thymus, spleen, tonsils, and others that are involved in the immune response.

Thymus

An organ where immature lymphocytes develop into T lymphocytes; most active in childhood.

B lymphocytes

A type of lymphocyte that matures into plasma cells and secretes antibodies.

Cytotoxic T lymphocytes

Lymphocytes that attack and destroy foreign cells directly.

Natural killer cells

Type of lymphocyte that non-discriminately attacks non-self cells.

Mucosa associated lymphoid tissue (MALT)

lymphoid tissue associated with mucous membranes of various tracts in the body.