Human Anatomy and Physiology - Lymphatic, Respiratory, and Digestive Systems

Flashcards for Human Anatomy and Physiology Final Exam Study Guide focusing on the Lymphatic system, Nonspecific and Specific defenses, the Respiratory and Digestive systems.

Lymphatic System

Consists of lymphatic vessels, lymph nodes, thymus, spleen, Peyer’s patches and tonsils.

Lymphatic Capillaries

Extremely porous blind-ended capillaries that pick up excess tissue fluid leaked from the blood capillaries.

Lymph

Excess tissue fluid picked up by the lymphatic capillaries.

Lymph Nodes

Serve as sites for production of lymphocytes and phagocytic processing centers.

Tonsils

In the throat, remove bacteria trying to enter the digestive or respiratory tracts.

Thymus

Programs T lymphocytes for maturity and is most active during childhood.

Peyer’s Patches

Prevent bacteria in the intestine from penetrating deeper into the body.

Spleen

Breaks down old red blood cells, sends them to the liver, and serves as a reservoir of blood.

Nonspecific Defenses

The body’s first line of defense against pathogens, including skin and mucous membranes.

Phagocytes

Macrophages and neutrophils that engulf and destroy pathogens.

Natural Killer Cells

Nonimmune cells that act nonspecifically to lyse virus-infected and malignant cells.

Inflammatory Response

Prevents spread of harmful agents, disposes of pathogens and dead tissue cells, and promotes healing.

Interferon

A group of proteins synthesized by virus-infected cells that prevents viruses from multiplying in other body cells.

Pyrogens

Reset the body’s temperature-regulating “thermostat” upward.

Specific Defenses

Immune system involving T and B cells and antibodies.

Antigens

Large, complex molecules recognized as foreign by the body.

T Cells

Develop immunocompetence in the thymus and oversee cell-mediated immunity.

B Cells

Develop immunocompetence in the bone marrow and provide humoral immunity.

Macrophages

Phagocytize pathogens and present parts of the antigens on their surface for recognition by T cells.

Antibodies

Proteins produced by B cells or plasma cells in response to an antigen.

IgA

Antibody associated with body secretions: tears, saliva, and breast milk.

IgM

The first antibodies produced in response to an antigen.

IgG

Largest component of antibodies found in the blood.

IgD

Antibody attached to B cells.

IgE

Antibody bound to mast and basophil cells.

Nasal Cavity

Lined with a mucosa, which warms, filters, and moistens incoming air.

Paranasal Sinuses

Lighten the skull, act as resonance chambers for speech and produce mucus.

Epiglottis

Prevents entry of food or drink into the respiratory pathway by covering the laryngeal opening.

Alveoli

Walls contain simple squamous epithelium for diffusion of oxygen and carbon dioxide in gas exchange.

Surfactant

Lipid molecule critical to lung function that coats the gas-exposed alveolar surfaces.

Hyperventilation

May result in apnea and dizziness due to alkalosis.

COPD

Major respiratory disorders including emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

Emphysema

Characterized by permanent enlargement and destruction of the alveoli.

Apnea

Cessation (stopping) of breathing.

Alimentary Canal

Mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum and anus.

Accessory Organs

Salivary glands, pancreas, liver and gallbladder.

Liver

Produces bile.

Gallbladder

Stores bile for fat digestion.

Esophagus

Muscular tube that completes the passageway from the pharynx to the stomach.

Small Intestine

Subdivided into the duodenum, jejunum and the ileum where food digestion and absorption are completed.

Pancreas

Soft gland lying in the mesentery between the stomach and small intestine that produces pancreatic juice.

Large Intestine

Also known collectively as the colon where water absorption occurs.