Lymphatic & Immune System

Anatomy & Physiology

Lymphatic System Function

Providing immunity and fluid balance.

Lymph

Differs from plasma and has a lower protein count.

Lymphatic Vessels

Have thin walls and valves to prevent backflow.

Skeletal Muscle

Helps the movement of lymphatic fluid.

Peyers Patches

Monitor the bacterial population within the intestine; A subset of MALT, ____ are part of what’s known as the gut-associated lymphatic tissue (GALT)

Thymus

Primary lymphatic organ; Provides a location for B and T cells to mature.

Pharyngeal Tonsil (Adenoids)

Sits on the wall of the pharynx, just behind the nasal cavity.

Palatine Tonsils

Lies in the posterior of the oral cavity; Largest, most prone to becoming infected.

Numerous Lingual Tonsils

Concentrated in patches on each side of the base of the tongue.

Primary Lymphatic Organs

Provide a location for stem cells to divide and mature into T and B cells; include the thymus and red bone marrow.

Secondary Lymphatic Organs

Where mature lymphocytes become activated; include lymph nodes and spleen.

What does lymph from the left atrium drain into?

The subclavian vein.

What forms the basis for lymphatic fluid?

Tissue fluid left behind after capillary exchange.

What is the primary function of lymph nodes?

To remove pathogens from the spleen.

Where is the spleen located?

In the upper left quadrant of the abdomen.

A patient comes in after losing blood. What function of the spleen is the most important?

Blood storage.

Germinal Centers

The part of the lymph node forms and releases lymphocytes when an infection is present.

Cervical Lymph Nodes

Found in the neck, monitor lymph coming from the head and the neck.

Axillary Lymph Nodes

Clustered in the armpit, receive lymph from the arm and the breast.

Inguinal Lymph Nodes

Occur in the groin, receive lymph from the legs.

Lymphadenopathy

Enlargement of one or more lymph nodes is called ___.

Blood Storage

The spleen stores 20% to 30% of the bodies platelets.

First Line of Defense

The skin and mucous membranes.

Second Line of Defense

When the body launches nonspecific immunity.

Third Line of Defense

Called specific immunity; occurs when the body retains a memory of a pathogen after defeating it.

Interfeurons

Bind to receptors of cells in an area surrounding an infection.

Whats another name for a fever?

Pyrexia.

What does elevated body temperature do?

Inhibits the reproduction of bacteria and viruses.

Where is the appendix located?

The lower end of the large intestine.

_{Natural Active Immunity}

When the body produces antibodes or T cells after being exposed to a particular antigen; Follows exposure to a specific antigen.

Artificial Active Immunity

When the body makes T cells and antibodies against a disease as a result of a vaccination containing dead or weakened pathogens; Follows a vaccination.

Natural Passive Immunity

Results when a fetus acquires from the mother through a placenta or breastfeeding; Acquired from mother.

Artificial Passive Immunity

Obtains serum from a person or animal that has produced antibodies against a certain pathogen then injecting it into someone else; Results from serum containing antibodies.

Cellular (Cell-Mediated) Immunity

Aims to destory foreign cells or infected host cells.

Humoral (Antibody-Mediated) Immunity

Focuses on pathogens outside of the hosts cells; sends antibodies to mark pathogens for later destruction.

T Lymphocytes (T Cells)

Develop from stem cells in red bone marrow.

B Lymphocytes (B Cells)

Begin life as stem cells in red bone marrow.

Immunoglobulins

AKA antibodies.

Antigen

Any molecule that triggers an immune response.

Cytotoxic T Cells

Carry out attack.

Helper T Cells

Supportive Role.

Memory T Cells

For future infections.

Allergic Reaction

Upon first exposure, the body produces IgE.

Anaphylaxis

A severe, immediate allergic reaction that affects the whole body.

Anaphylactic Shock

When symptoms worsen to the point of cirulatory shock; sudde'n death can occur.