Lymphatic system

Lymphatic system

System that returns fluid to blood and houses immune cells.

Lymphoid organs

Organs and tissues that house immune cells.

Fluid Recovery

Process in the lymphatic system involving ~20 L of fluid filtered daily.

Lymph

Fluid that results from 3 L of fluid that is not reabsorbed into the bloodstream.

Lymphatic vessels

The system that includes capillaries, vessels, trunks, and ducts.

Right lymphatic duct

Drains the right upper body of lymph.

Thoracic duct

Drains the rest of the body of lymph.

Skeletal muscle pump

Mechanism that helps maintain lymph flow by contraction of skeletal muscles.

Respiratory pump

Mechanism that assists lymph flow during breathing.

Valves in lymphatic vessels

Prevent backflow and ensure unidirectional flow of lymph.

Smooth muscle contraction

Aids in the movement of lymph through lymphatic vessels.

Lacteals

Specialized capillaries in the small intestine that absorb dietary fats.

Bone marrow

Primary lymphoid organ responsible for B cell maturation.

Thymus

Primary lymphoid organ responsible for T cell maturation.

Lymph nodes

Secondary lymphoid organs that filter lymph and activate lymphocytes.

Spleen

Secondary lymphoid organ that filters blood, stores platelets, and conducts immune surveillance.

Tonsils

Secondary lymphoid organs that help protect mucosal surfaces.

MALT (Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue)

Secondary lymphoid tissue that protects mucosal surfaces.

Afferent vessels

Vessels through which lymph enters a lymph node.

Efferent vessel

Vessel through which lymph exits a lymph node.

Subcapsular sinus

Area within a lymph node that lymph passes through.

B cells

Lymphocytes found in the cortex of lymph nodes, involved in antibody production.

T cells

Lymphocytes located in the paracortex of lymph nodes, responsible for cell-mediated immunity.

Medulla of lymph node

Inner region of lymph node that contains immune cells.

Antigen presentation

Process by which immune cells display antigens to lymphocytes for activation.

Lymphedema

Condition caused by lymph blockage, often due to surgery or cancer.

Filariasis

Disease caused by parasitic worms leading to conditions like elephantiasis.

Immune surveillance

The process by which the immune system monitors for signs of disease or infection.

Filters lymph

Function of lymph nodes to purify lymph by removing pathogens.

Stores platelets

Function of the spleen to keep platelets for blood clotting.

Protect mucosal surfaces

Role of tonsils and MALT in the immune system.

Fluid filtering

Key function of the lymphatic system, ensuring excess fluid is returned to circulation.

Immune cells

Cells in lymphoid organs responsible for the immune response.