Lymphatic System and Immunity

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to the lymphatic system and immune response as discussed in the lecture.

Lymphatic system

A network of vessels that returns interstitial fluid to the bloodstream and is involved in immune response.

Interstitial fluid

Fluid that washes along the extracellular matrix outside of cells, involved in nutrient delivery and waste removal.

Influx

The amount of fluid or substances entering a system, particularly tissues in the context of the lymphatic system.

Efflux

The amount of fluid or substances leaving a system, particularly tissues in the context of the lymphatic system.

Lymph

A clear fluid that circulates through the lymphatic system, containing lymphocytes and debris filtered from interstitial fluid.

Lymphocytes

A type of white blood cell that is part of the immune system, primarily involved in the response to pathogens.

Edema

Swelling caused by excess fluid accumulation in tissues, frequently due to lymphatic system issues.

MALT (Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue)

Specialized connective tissue in lymph nodes that supports the function of lymphocytes and macrophages.

T cells

A type of lymphocyte that matures in the thymus and is involved in cell-mediated immunity.

B cells

A type of lymphocyte that produces antibodies against specific antigens.

Antigen

A molecule or part of a molecule that is recognized by the immune system and can elicit an immune response.

Specific immunity

A type of immunity that targets specific pathogens with memory cells, primarily involving T and B cells.

Nonspecific immunity

General immune defenses that do not target specific pathogens and include various innate immune responses.

Complement system

A cascade of proteins in the blood that enhances the ability of antibodies to clear pathogens and promotes inflammation.

Macrophage

A type of white blood cell that engulfs and digests cellular debris, pathogens, and cancer cells.

Memory cells

Long-lived lymphocytes that remember past infections and provide quicker responses upon re-exposure to the same pathogens.

Vaccine

A biological preparation that provides acquired immunity to a particular infectious disease.