Lymphatic System

These flashcards cover key concepts related to the lymphatic system, including its structure, functions, and components.

Lymphatic System

An elaborate network of drainage vessels that return fluid leakages (lymph) back to blood.

Lymph Nodes

Discrete collections of lymphatic tissue that filter lymph and activate the immune system.

Afferent Vessels

Vessels that carry lymph into the lymph nodes.

Efferent Vessels

Vessels that carry lymph away from the lymph nodes.

Thymus

Primary lymphoid organ where T cells mature and become immunocompetent.

Spleen

Largest lymphoid organ; functions in immune surveillance and response, and blood cleansing.

Tonsils

Lymphatic tissue located at the entrance to the pharynx that removes pathogens from food and air.

Lacteals

Specialized lymphatic capillaries in the intestinal villi that absorb and transport fat.

Cisterna Chyli

Enlarged sac that serves as the starting point for the thoracic duct in some individuals.

Lymphatic Trunks

Formed from collecting vessels; drain lymph from specific regions of the body.

MALT

Mucosa-Associated Lymphoid Tissue; includes Peyer's patches, appendix, tonsils, and nodules in the GI tract.

Macrophages

Cells that activate T cells and phagocytize foreign substances in lymphoid tissues.

B Lymphocytes (B Cells)

Cells that produce plasma cells to mark antigens with antibodies for destruction.

T Lymphocytes (T Cells)

Cells that manage immune responses and can attack infected cells when activated.

Peyer's Patches

Aggregated lymphoid nodules found in the small intestine that destroy bacteria and generate memory lymphocytes.