The Lymphatic System and Immune Response

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering the anatomy, function, and immune processes of the lymphatic system as detailed in the lecture notes.

Lymphatic system (flow direction)

A one-way system in which lymph flows toward the heart, from tissue to heart.

Lymphatic vessels

Vessels equipped with three tunics and valves that return interstitial fluid and leaked plasma proteins back to the blood.

Lymphatic capillaries

Very permeable, one-way vessels containing minivalves that open when interstitial fluid volume increases.

Lymph

The fluid contained within lymphatic vessels.

Factors of lymphatic flow

Skeletal muscle contraction, pressure changes in the thorax during breathing, valves to prevent backflow, pulses of nearby arteries, and contraction of smooth muscle in lymphatic walls.

Thoracic duct

The terminal duct draining most of the body.

Cisterna chyli

The enlarged terminus of the thoracic duct.

Right lymphatic duct

The duct that drains the upper right arm and the right side of the head and thorax.

Lymph nodes (locations)

Densely clustered in the axillary, inguinal, and cervical regions.

Lymph nodes (functions)

Two major functions include filtering lymph and immune system activation.

Humoral immunity

Immunity involving B cells (B lymphocytes) which produce plasma cells that secrete antibodies targeting antigens.

Cell-mediated immunity

Immunity involving T cells (T lymphocytes) which attack/destroy infected cells and manage the immune response.

Immunological memory

The ability of the immune system to remember a previously encountered antigen and respond more quickly.

Specificity

The ability of immune cells and antibodies to recognize and bind to a specific antigen.

Self-tolerance

The ability of immune cells to distinguish self from nonself.

Trabeculae

The structural characteristic in a lymph node that ensures a slow flow of lymph to allow time for filtration and initiation of an immune response.

Antigen

A foreign substance that triggers an immune response.

Antibody

A protein produced by B cells that binds to an antigen.

Immunoglobulin monomer

Consists of four protein chains: two heavy inner chains and two light short outer chains, featuring variable (V) and constant (C) regions.

Precipitin line

A thin white line formed in an Ouchterlony test where the antigen and antibody meet.

Lymphedema

A condition caused by insufficient movement of lymph in vessels, leading to fluid buildup and swelling in the limbs.

Buboes

Swollen lymph nodes that can become necrotic and turn black; a key sign for diagnosing bubonic plague.

Peyer's patches

Lymphatic tissue located in the small intestine.