Lymphatic + Immune + Reproductive

Lymphatic System

Organ system that defends the body against pathogens and returns excess tissue fluid to the bloodstream

Lymph, lymphatic vessels, lymph nodes, spleen, thymus, tonsils

Main Components of the Lymphatic System

Immune defense, fluid balance, absorption of dietary fats

Main Functions of the Lymphatic System

Lymph

Clear fluid containing white blood cells that circulates through lymphatic vessels

Lymphatic Vessels

Tubes that carry lymph back to the bloodstream

Tissue Fluid

Fluid that surrounds body cells; excess tissue fluid becomes lymph

Lymph Nodes

Small structures that filter lymph and trap pathogens

Spleen

Filters blood, removes old red blood cells, and helps fight infection

Thymus

Organ where T lymphocytes (T cells) mature

Tonsils

Lymphatic tissues that help trap pathogens entering through the mouth and nose

White Blood Cells

Cells that defend the body against pathogens

Lymphocytes

Type of white blood cell involved in specific immune responses

B Lymphocytes / B Cells

Produce antibodies against pathogens

T Lymphocytes / T Cells

Destroy infected cells and help regulate immune responses

Antibody

Protein produced by B cells that specifically binds to and helps neutralize pathogens

Pathogen

Disease-causing microorganism, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites

Immune Response

The body's defense against foreign substances and pathogens

Fluid Balance

Returning excess tissue fluid from body tissues back to the bloodstream

Fat Absorption

Absorption and transport of dietary fats from the small intestine through lymphatic vessels

Reproductive System

Organ system responsible for producing offspring and sex hormones

Gamete production, fertilization, reproduction, hormone production

Main Functions of Reproductive System

Gametes

Haploid sex cells (sperm and egg)

Fertilization

Fusion of sperm and egg to form a zygote

Zygote

Diploid cell formed after fertilization

Testes

Produce sperm and testosterone

Testosterone

Main male sex hormone

Scrotum

Sac that holds the testes and helps regulate temperature

Epididymis

Coiled tube where sperm mature and are stored

Vas Deferens

Tube that transports sperm from the epididymis

Seminal Vesicles

Produce fluid that nourishes sperm

Prostate Glands

Adds fluid that helps sperm move and survive

Semen

Mixture of sperm and gland secretions

Penis

Organ that delivers semen to the female reproductive tract and also functions in urination

Ovaries

Produce eggs (ova) and the hormones estrogen and progesterone

Estrogen

Female sex hormone involved in reproductive development and the menstrual cycle

Progesterone

Hormone that helps prepare and maintain the uterus for pregnancy

Fallopian Tubes / Oviducts

Carry the egg from the ovary to the uterus; usual site of fertilization

Uterus

Muscular organ where a fertilized egg can develop into a fetus

Endometrium

Inner lining of the uterus that thickens in preparation for pregnancy

Cervix

Lower narrow opening of the uterus that connects to the vagina

Vagina

Muscular canal that receives sperm and serves as the birth canal

Ovulation

Release of a mature egg from the ovary

Menstruation

Shedding of the uterine lining when pregnancy does not occur

Pregnancy

Development of an embryo/fetus in the uterus after fertilization and implantation

Implantation

Attachment of the fertilized egg to the uterine lining