Lymphatic System

A set of flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to the lymphatic system.

Lymphatic System

Includes cells, tissues, and organs that protect the body against pathogens.

Pathogens

Organisms that cause disease.

Interstitial Fluid

Filtered plasma that leaves blood at the capillaries.

Lymph

Fluid collected by lymphatic capillaries after interstitial fluid is filtered.

Leukocytes

White blood cells produced, maintained, and distributed by the lymphatic system.

Chyle

Lymph with lipids that is moved from the digestive system to the liver.

Lymph Nodes

Structures that filter lymph, remove antigens, and initiate the immune response.

Afferent Vessels

Vessels through which lymph enters the lymph nodes.

Efferent Lymphatic Vessels

Vessels through which lymph leaves the lymph nodes.

Thoracic Duct

The longer duct that drains lymph from the left and lower right side of the body.

Right Lymphatic Duct

The short duct that drains lymph from the right upper body.

Mucosa Associated Lymph Tissue (MALT)

Tissue that includes lymph nodules found in various mucosal locations.

Spleen

The largest accumulation of lymphoid tissue responsible for filtering blood.

Thymus

An organ where T-cells mature under the influence of thymosin.

Hemopoiesis

The production of blood cells, a function performed by the spleen in the fetus.

Splenectomy

Surgical removal of the spleen, usually required when it is significantly damaged.

Antigens\n\n

Substances that provoke an immune response, often found on the surface of pathogens.

Lymphatic Capillaries\n\n

Small, thin-walled vessels that collect lymph from tissues.

Primary Lymphoid Organs\n\n

Organs where lymphocytes are produced and mature, including the thymus and bone marrow.

Secondary Lymphoid Organs\n\n

Sites where immune responses are initiated; includes lymph nodes and the spleen.

Interferons\n\n

Proteins produced by cells in response to viral infections that help protect against viruses.

Natural Killer Cells\n\n

A type of lymphocyte that can attack and destroy virus-infected cells or tumor cells.

Memory Cells\n\n

Long-lived lymphocytes that remember past infections and provide faster immune response upon re-exposure.

Immunoglobulins (Ig)\n\n

Antibodies produced by B cells that identify and neutralize pathogens.

Cytokines\n\n

Signaling molecules that mediate and regulate immune responses.

Phagocytosis\n\n

The process by which certain cells, like macrophages, engulf and digest pathogens.

Adaptive Immunity\n\n

The immunity that develops as a response to exposure to pathogens, involving T and B lymphocytes.

Innate Immunity\n\n

The non-specific first line of defense against pathogens, including physical barriers and immune cells such as macrophages.

B Cells\n\n

A type of lymphocyte that produces antibodies to neutralize pathogens.

T Cells\n\n

A type of lymphocyte involved in cell-mediated immunity that can kill infected cells or help other immune cells.

Vaccines\n\n

Preparations that stimulate the body's immune response to provide protection against diseases.

Autoimmune Diseases\n\n

Conditions where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues.

Complement System\n\n

A group of proteins that work together to enhance the immune response, helping to destroy pathogens.

Dendritic Cells\n\n

Antigen-presenting cells that process and present antigens to T cells, initiating the adaptive immune response.

Cytotoxic T Cells\n\n

T cells that directly kill infected cells or cancer cells by recognizing specific antigens.

Helper T Cells\n\n

T cells that assist other immune cells in the immune response, particularly B cells and cytotoxic T cells.