Lymphatic System

Vocabulary flashcards about the lymphatic system

Function of the Lymphatic System

Collects excess fluids from tissues and returns them to the circulatory system, specifically the venous side of the blood.

Peripheral Edema

Accumulation of fluids in the peripheral tissues, often due to lymphatic system blockage.

Lipids

Nutrients, specifically lipids, that are absorbed through the lymphatic system in the intestine.

Lacteal

Structure in the intestine used to absorb lipids via the lymphatic system.

Lymph / Lymphatic Fluid

Fluid collected from tissues and transported through the lymphatic system.

Tonsils

Collections of lymphatic tissues in the oral cavity and throat region.

Lymph Nodes

Nodes that belong to the lymphatic system, concentrated in areas like the cervical and axillary regions.

Thymus Gland

Gland located posterior to the sternum and anterior to the great vessels of the heart, regulating the immune system.

Right Lymphatic Duct

Drains lymph from the right side of the hip, neck, chest, and right upper extremity.

Thoracic Duct

Drains lymph from the left side of the head, neck, thorax, left upper extremity, and the entire abdomen, pelvis, and both lower extremities.

Cisterna Chyli

Sac located between T12 and L1, marking the start of the thoracic duct.

Hemocytoblast

Stem cell that gives rise to all blood cells, differentiating into myeloid and lymphoid stem lines.

Pre-B and Pre-T Cells

Immature cells produced in the red bone marrow, precursors to B and T cells.

B-Cell

Mature lymphocytes that stay and mature in the bone marrow

T-Cell

Mature lymphocytes that migrate and mature in the thymus gland.

Maturation Process

The process of exposing pre-B and pre-T cells to self and nonself antigens to ensure proper immune function.

Self Antigens

Antigens found on normal cells of the body.

Nonself Antigens

Antigens not recognized as part of the body, triggering an immune response.

Positive Selection

Selecting and keeping cells that react strongly against nonself antigens.

Negative Selection

Removing cells that react strongly to self antigens to prevent autoimmune diseases.

Apoptosis

Programmed cell death used to eliminate cells that react to self antigens.

Plasma Cells

Activated B cells that produce antibodies.

Antibody Mediated Immunity

Branch of immunity involving B cells and antibody production.

CD4 Cells

Also known as helper T cells.

CD8 Cells

Also known as cytotoxic T cells.

Cell Mediated Immunity

T cells involved in directly encountering and killing infections.

Natural Killer (NK) Cells

Lymphocytes that survey the body, punching holes in pathogens using perforins.

Perforins

Proteins used by natural killer cells to punch holes in pathogens.