Lymphatic System & Respitory Flashcards

A set of flashcards based on the lecture notes covering the lymphatic system, its structures, functions, and the immune response.

What is the main function of the lymphatic system?

To produce, maintain, and distribute lymphocytes, return lost fluid to the blood, and transport hormones, nutrients, and wastes.

What fluid does the lymphatic system produce?

Lymph.

What are the primary structures of the lymphatic system?

Lymph, lymphatic vessels, lymphoid tissue, and organs.

What do lymphatic vessels begin as?

Lymphatic capillaries.

Describe lymphatic capillaries.

Closed on one end, found between cells, and merge to form lymphatic vessels.

What is the main component of lymph?

Interstitial fluid and immune cells.

What are lacteals?

Specialized lymphatic capillaries in the digestive system that absorb dietary fats.

What is chyle?

A milky fluid that lymph appears when fats are absorbed.

What is lymphoid tissue?

Specialized reticular connective tissue found in lymphatic organs.

What are the two main groups of lymphoid organs?

Primary and secondary lymphoid organs.

What are primary lymphoid organs?

Bone marrow and thymus gland, where lymphocytes are produced.

What is the function of the thymus gland?

To produce mature T cells and communicate with other immune system cells.

Where do B cells mature?

In the red bone marrow.

What does the spleen do?

Filters blood and fights blood-borne pathogens.

What are lymph nodes?

Organs that filter lymph and contain mature lymphocytes.

What are the three layers of lymphatic vessel walls?

Endothelium, smooth muscle, and outer connective tissue.

What is the significance of lymphatic trunks?

They drain lymph from specific regions and merge into lymph ducts.

What is the thoracic duct?

The larger lymphatic duct that drains lymph from most of the body into the bloodstream.

Identify one type of diffuse lymphatic tissue.

Found in mucous membranes.

What are Peyer's patches?

Lymphatic nodules located in the small intestine.

What condition is caused by blocked lymphatic vessels?

Elephantiasis.

What is innate immunity?

Nonspecific defense mechanisms present at birth.

What types of pathogens does the immune system combat?

Bacteria, viruses, parasites, fungi, protists, and cancer cells.

What are the two lines of defense in innate immunity?

Barrier defenses and internal defenses.

What are phagocytes?

Cells that engulf and destroy pathogens.

What does the complement system do?

Promotes phagocytosis and inflammation.

What is an antigen?

A substance recognized as foreign that provokes an immune response.

Describe cell-mediated immunity.

Involves T cells targeting intracellular pathogens and cancer cells.

What is antibody-mediated immunity?

Involves B cells producing antibodies against extracellular pathogens.

What is the main role of helper T cells?

To activate B cells and cytotoxic T cells.

What are memory cells?

Cells that persist after an immune response, providing long-term immunity.

What triggers the production of antibodies?

The presence of an antigen.

What is an autoimmune disorder?

A condition where the immune system attacks the body's own tissues.

What are the five cardinal signs of inflammation?

Redness, heat, swelling, pain, and loss of function.

What is the role of interferons?

Proteins that protect uninfected host cells from viral infection.

What is the purpose of fever in the immune response?

To create an unfavorable environment for pathogens.

What is the role of macrophages in immunity?

To digest and destroy pathogens.

What are the types of acquired immunity?

Naturally acquired active, naturally acquired passive, artificially acquired active, and artificially acquired passive immunity.

How can active immunity be acquired?

Through exposure to a pathogen or vaccination.

What can cause allergies?

An overreaction of the immune system to typically harmless antigens.

What is anaphylactic shock?

A severe, life-threatening allergic reaction.

What are lymphatic nodules?

Masses of lymphatic tissue not surrounded by a capsule.

Where are lymphatic nodules found?

In mucous membranes lining the GI, urinary, and respiratory tracts.

What happens during phagocytosis?

Pathogens are engulfed and destroyed by phagocytes.

What type of cells are cytotoxic T cells?

Cells that kill infected and abnormal body cells.

What are the two types of adaptive immunity?

Cell-mediated and antibody-mediated immunity.

What do B cells produce?

Antibodies.

What is the role of T cells?

To recognize and eliminate infected or abnormal cells.

How do natural killer (NK) cells function?

By destroying infected or cancerous cells.