Lymphatic pt 3

What are lymph nodes?

Small structures that filter lymph

Main function of lymph nodes?

Detect antigens

Where are lymph nodes commonly found?

Groin, armpit, neck

Why are lymph nodes in body junctions?

High infection risk areas

What tissue are lymph nodes made of?

Reticular tissue

What are sinusoids?

Channels inside lymph nodes

What lines sinusoids?

Macrophages

Function of macrophages?

Engulf pathogens

What happens in lymph nodes when infection is detected?

Immune response activation

Where do T cells mature?

thymus

What is the spleen?

Largest lymphatic organ

Function of spleen?

Filters blood

What does spleen remove?

Old RBCs, bacteria, debris

Location of spleen?

Upper left abdomen

What tissue makes up spleen?

Reticular tissue

Does spleen have sinusoids?

Yes

What do spleen macrophages do?

Destroy old RBCs

How long do RBCs live?

About 120 days

What happens to old RBCs?

Destroyed in spleen

What is thymus function?

T cell maturation

Does thymus filter fluid?

No

Location of thymus?

Behind sternum

What happens to thymus with age?

Shrinks (involution)

Why is thymus important in childhood?

Immune system development

What are tonsils?

Lymphatic tissue in throat

Arrangement of tonsils?

Ring-like

Function of tonsils?

Protect entry of pathogens

Where are tonsils located?

Pharynx

Role of tonsils in immunity?

Expose T cells to antigens