Lymphatic + Immune Systems

lymph/o

lymph

lymphangi/o

lymphatic vessels and ducts

lymphaden/o

lymph nodes

tonsill/o, adenoid/o

tonsils and adenoids

splen/o

spleen

myel/o

spinal cord, bone marrow

lymphocyt/o

lymphocytes

thym/o

thymus

villi

small fingerlike projections lining small intestine. Each villus contains lacteals + blood vessels.

Lacteals

specialized structures of the lymphatic system that absorb those fats that cannot be transported by the bloodstream

Interstitial fluid

also known as intercellular or tissue fluid, is plasma from arterial blood that flows out of arterioles and into capillaries, and then flows into spaces between cells of tissues. Delivers nutrients, oxygen, hormones to cells. When it leaves cells, it brings with it waste products + protein molecules that were created within cells. About 90% of this fluid returned to bloodstream.

Lymph

made up of remaining 10% of returning interstitial fluid. Clear, watery fluid containing electrolytes + proteins. Collects protein molecules created w/in cell as it leaves. Also removes dead cells, debris, pathogens (including cancer cells) from intercellular spaces. Enters very small capillaries w/in tissues and then flows into progressively larger vessels + ducts as it travels in one-way trip upward toward neck.

lymphatic circulatory system

and blood circulatory system work closely together, and because of these similarities the lymphatic circulatory system is often referred to as the secondary circulatory system

Lymphatic capillaries

microscopic, blind-ended (sealed on one end) tubes located near the surface of the body w/capillary walls only cell in thickness.

lymphatic vessels

lymph flows from the lymphatic capillaries into these progressively larger vessels, which are located deeper within the tissues

right lymphatic duct

collects lymph from the right side of the head and neck, the upper right quadrant of the body, and the right arm; empties into the right subclavian vein

subclavian vein

proximal part of the main vein of the arm

thoracic duct

the largest lymphatic vessel in the body, collects lymph from the left side of the head and neck, the upper left quadrant of the trunk, the left arm, the entire lower portion of the trunk, and both legs. Empties into left subclavian vein.

lymph node

Small, bean-shaped, contains specialized lymphocytes capable of destroying pathogens

Cervical lymph nodes

located along the sides of the neck

Axillary lymph nodes

located under the arms in the area known as the armpits

Inguinal lymph nodes

located in the inguinal (groin) area of the lower abdomen

Lymphocytes

also known as lymphoid cells, leukocytes formed in bone marrow as stem cells. Work together w/body's organs to defend body against antigens.

antigen

any substance that the body regards as being foreign

Maturation

process of becoming mature

Differentiation

to be modified to perform specific function

Natural killer cells (NK cells)

play an important role in the killing of cancer cells and cells infected by viruses

B cells

also known as B lymphocytes, specialized lymphocytes that produce antibodies. Each lymphocyte makes specific antibody that's capable of destroying specific antigen.

Plasma cells

develop from B cells and secrete a large volume of antibodies coded to destroy specific antigens

T cells

also known as T lymphocytes, get T in name from their origin in thymus. These lymphocytes play central role in cell-mediated immunity.

Cytokines

A group of proteins such as interferons and interleukins released primarily by the T cells that act as intracellular signals to begin the immune response.

Interferons (IFNs)

produced in response to the presence of antigens, particularly viruses or tumor cells. Activate immune system, fight viruses by slowing/stopping their multiplication, and signal other cells to increase their defenses.

Interleukins

play multiple roles in the immune system, including directing B and T cells to divide and proliferate

lymphoid

pertaining to the lymphatic system or resembling lymph or lymphatic tissue.

tonsils

three masses of lymphoid tissue that form a protective ring around the back of the nose and the upper throat. Play important role in immune system by preventing pathogens from entering respiratory system when breathing through nose and mouth.

adenoids

also known as the nasopharyngeal tonsils, are located in the nasopharynx, which is the upper part of the pharynx

palatine tonsils

located on the left and right sides of the throat in the area that is visible at the back of the mouth

Palatine

describes the hard and soft palates that form the roof of the mouth

lingual tonsils

located at the base of the tongue, not readily visible

Lingual

pertaining to the tongue

thymus

mass of lymphoid tissue located above the heart, reaches its greatest size at puberty and becomes smaller with age. As part of endocrine system, it secretes hormone that stimulates maturation of lymphocytes into T cells.

vermiform appendix

commonly referred to as the appendix, hangs from the lower portion of the cecum, which is the first section of the large intestine. Although purpose unknown for many years, recent research indicates it may play important role in immune system.

spleen

a sac-like mass of lymphoid tissue located in the left upper quadrant of the abdomen, just inferior to the diaphragm and posterior to the stomach. Has hemolytic function of destroying worn-out erythrocytes and releasing their hemoglobin for reuse. Also stores extra erythrocytes and maintains appropriate balance between these cells + plasma of blood.

Pathogens

disease-producing microorganisms

Allergens

substances that produce allergic reactions

Toxins

poisonous or harmful substances

Malignant cells

potentially life-threatening cancer cells

Intact skin

wraps the body in a physical barrier that prevents invading organisms from entering the body

Intact

no cuts, scrapes, open sores, or breaks in the skin

acid mantle

covers the skin, makes it an inhospitable environment for most bacteria

respiratory system

traps breathed-in foreign matter with nose hairs and the moist mucous membrane lining of the respiratory system

digestive system

uses the acids and enzymes produced by the stomach to destroy invaders that are swallowed or consumed with food

structures of lymphatic system and specialized leukocytes

work together in specific ways to attack and destroy pathogens that have succeeded in entering the body

antigen-antibody reaction

also known as the immune reaction, involves binding antigens to antibodies

Tolerance

refers to an acquired unresponsiveness to a specific antigen. Also used to describe decline in effective response to drug, usually due to repeated use.

antibody

a disease-fighting protein created by the immune system in response to the presence of a specific antigen. Used interchangeably with term immunoglobulin.

Immunoglobulins

bind with specific antigens in the antigen-antibody response. 5 primary types of these, which's re secreted by plasma cells, are also known as antibodies.

Immunoglobulin G (IgG)

the most abundant class of antibodies; found in blood serum and lymph; active against bacteria, fungi, viruses, and foreign particles

Immunoglobulin A (IgA)

the class of antibodies produced predominantly against ingested antigens; found in body secretions such as saliva, sweat, or tears, and function to prevent the attachment of viruses and bacteria to the epithelial surfaces that line most organs

Immunoglobulin M (IgM)

the class of antibodies that are found in circulating body fluids; the first antibodies to appear in response to an initial exposure to an antigen

Immunoglobulin D (IgD)

the class of antibodies found only on the surface of B cells; important in B cell activation

Immunoglobulin E (IgE)

the class of antibodies produced in the lungs, skin, and mucous membranes; responsible for allergic reactions

Phagocytes

specialized leukocytes that act as part of the antigen-antibody reaction by destroying substances such as cell debris, dust, pollen, and pathogens by the process of phagocytosis. Include monocytes, macrophages, dendritic cells, mast cells.

Monocytes

leukocytes that provide immunological defenses against many infectious organisms. Macrophages derive from monocytes after they leave bloodstream + enter into tissue. Replenish macrophages + dendritic cells.

macrophage

a type of leukocyte that surrounds and kills invading cells. Also remove dead cells + stimulate action of other immune cells.

Dendritic cells

specialized leukocytes that patrol the body searching for antigens that produce infections. When such cell found, dendritic cell grabs it, swallows it, alerts B and T cells to act against this specific antigen.

complement system

a group of proteins that normally circulate in the blood in an inactive form. When needed, these cells complement ability of antibodies to ward off pathogens by combining with them to dissolve + remove pathogenic bacteria and other foreign cells.

Complement

to complete or make whole

Immunity

the state of being resistant to a specific disease. This resistance can be present naturally, or it can be acquired.

Natural immunity

also known as passive immunity, is resistance to a disease present without the administration of an antigen or exposure to a disease. Present at birth, and can be augmented when breast milk passes from nursing mother to her baby.

Acquired immunity

obtained by having had a contagious disease

vaccine

a preparation containing an antigen, consisting of whole or partial disease-causing organisms, which have been killed or weakened

Vaccination

provides protection against the disease; however, for some conditions a periodic booster is required to maintain the effectiveness of the immunization

allergist

specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions of altered immunologic reactivity, such as allergic reactions

immunologist

specializes in diagnosing and treating disorders of the immune system

immun

protected

lymphologist

a physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating disorders of the lymphatic system

oncologist

a physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating malignant disorders such as tumors and cancer

Lymphadenitis

commonly known as swollen glands, is an inflammation of the lymph nodes

Lymphadenopathy

any disease process affecting a lymph node or nodes

lymphangioma

a benign tumor formed by an abnormal collection of lymphatic vessels due to a congenital malformation of the lymphatic system

ruptured spleen

a medical emergency that occurs when the covering of the spleen is torn, usually as the result of a blow to the abdomen. Splenorrhagia may result.

Splenorrhagia

bleeding from the spleen

Splenomegaly

abnormal enlargement of the spleen. Can be due to bleeding caused by injury, infectious disease such as mononucleosis, or abnormal functioning of immune system.

Lymphoscintigraphy

a diagnostic test that is performed to detect damage or malformations of the lymphatic vessels. Radioactive substance injected into lymph ducts, and scanner/probe used to follow movement of substance on computer screen.

Lymphedema

swelling of the tissues due to an abnormal accumulation of lymph fluid within the tissues

Primary lymphedema

hereditary condition of the lymphatic system that develops with swelling beginning in the feet and progressing into the ankles and in an upward direction along the legs. Occurs most frequently in females when symptoms begin to appear during puberty.

Secondary lymphedema

caused by damage to lymphatic vessels that is most frequently due to cancer treatment, surgery, trauma, or burns

Bioimpedance spectroscopy

a noninvasive method of diagnosing lymphedema; measures the resistance to an electrical current passed through the affected limb, with abnormally low results showing a buildup of lymph

allergic reaction

occurs when the body's immune system reacts to a harmless allergen such as pollen, food, or animal dander as if it were a dangerous invader

allergy

also known as hypersensitivity, is an overreaction by the body to a particular antigen

localized allergic response

also known as a cellular response, includes redness, itching, and burning where the skin has come into contact with an allergen

systematic reaction (anaphylaxis)

a severe response to an allergen

scratch test

a diagnostic test to identify commonly troublesome allergens such as tree pollen and ragweed. Swelling + itching indicate allergic reaction.

allergen-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) blood test

sometimes used to determine whether a person is allergic to a particular substance

Antihistamines

medications administered to relieve or prevent the symptoms of hay fever, which is common allergy to wind-borne pollens, and other types of allergies. Work by preventing effects of histamine.

histamine

a substance produced by the body that causes the itching, sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes of an allergic reaction

autoimmune disorder

also known as an autoimmune disease, is any of a large group of diseases characterized by a condition in which the immune system produces antibodies against its own tissues, mistaking healthy cells, tissues, or organs for antigens.

Rheumatoid arthritis

autoimmune disorder that affects connective tissues and joints

Myasthenia gravis

autoimmune disorder that affects nerve + muscle synapses