Lymphatic System and Immune Response

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary related to the lymphatic system and immune response, highlighting important definitions and concepts.

Lymphatic Vessels

Network of vessels that transport lymph throughout the body.

Edema

Swelling caused by excess fluid trapped in body tissues.

Lymph

A clear fluid that travels through the lymphatic system, containing white blood cells.

Innate Immune System

The body's first line of defense, which includes physical and chemical barriers.

Adaptive Immune System

The body's response that involves specific recognition of pathogens and memory.

Antigen

Any substance that triggers an immune response.

Antibody

A protein produced by B cells that specifically targets antigens.

Phagocyte

A type of cell that engulfs and digests foreign particles and pathogens.

Vaccine

A substance that induces immunity against specific infectious diseases.

Autoimmunity

A condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own cells.

Allergy

An exaggerated immune response to a substance that is normally harmless.

Pus

A thick fluid made up of dead white blood cells and bacteria, often a result of inflammation.

Memory Cells

Long-lived immune cells that remember past infections to mount a quicker response.

Complement Proteins

Proteins that enhance the ability of antibodies to clear pathogens.

Natural Killer Cell

A type of immune cell that can kill tumor cells or cells infected with viruses.

T Cell

A type of lymphocyte that plays a central role in cell-mediated immunity.

B Cell

A type of lymphocyte that produces antibodies to neutralize antigens.

Humoral Immunity

The aspect of immunity that is mediated by antibodies produced by B cells.

Cell-mediated Immunity

The aspect of immunity that is mediated by T cells and does not involve antibodies.