Lymphatic and Immune Systems Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards for reviewing the lymphatic and immune systems.

Lymph

A fluid containing water, sugars, white blood cells, and protein; carries waste and salts within the lymphatic system.

Lymph Vessels

Carry lymph within the lymphatic system; smallest of these are lymph capillaries.

Lymph Nodes

Specialized organs that produce lymphocytes and filter harmful substances from tissues.

Antibodies

Specialized proteins produced by lymphocytes to fight disease.

Antigens

Substances that fight disease by stimulating an immune response.

Right Lymphatic Duct

Empties purified lymph from the right side of the head, neck, chest, and right arm into the right subclavian vein.

Left Lymphatic Duct

Drains lymph from the rest of the body and empties into the left subclavian vein.

Cisterna Chyli

Serves as a storage area for purified lymph and receives chyle from the intestinal lacteals.

Tonsils

Masses of lymph tissue that filter interstitial fluid.

Spleen

Organ on the left side behind the upper stomach, produces leukocytes and antibodies, and destroys old red blood cells.

Thymus

Mass of lymph tissue in the center of the upper chest that atrophies after puberty.

Spleen

Largest lymphatic organ; filters foreign material from the blood and destroys old red blood cells.

Thymus Gland

Gland with two lobes, larger during infancy and childhood; contains thymocytes that provide immunity.

Immune System

Series of defenses against intruders such as microorganisms.

Phagocytosis

Ingesting of foreign substances by specialized cells like macrophages.

Natural Immunity

A natural resistance to certain diseases.

Acquired Passive Immunity

Immunity provided in the form of antibodies or antitoxins developed in another person.

Acquired Active Immunity

Immunity that develops after having a disease or being vaccinated.

Immunoglobulin G (IgG)

Effective against bacteria, viruses, and toxins.

Immunoglobulin A (IgA)

Common in exocrine gland secretions such as breast milk and tears.

Immunoglobulin M (IgM)

First antibody to be produced after an infection.

Immunoglobulin D (IgD)

Important in B-cell activation.

Immunoglobulin E (IgE)

Appears in glandular secretions and is associated with allergic reactions.

Cell-mediated Immunity

Provided by the action of the T-cells, which multiply and produce proteins in response to antigens.

Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

Lymph cancer that appears in early adulthood, involving the lymph nodes and spleen.

Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

Cancer of the lymph nodes in which some cells resemble healthy cells, usually appearing during mid-life.

Sarcoidosis

Inflammatory condition that can affect lung functioning.

Infectious Mononucleosis

Acute infectious disease caused by the Epstein-Barr virus; swollen lymph nodes are a common symptom.

Autoimmune Diseases

Conditions in which the body’s immune system turns against its own healthy tissue.

lymphadenectomy

Removal of a lymph node.

lymphadenotomy

Incision into a lymph node.

splenectomy

Removal of the spleen.

thymectomy

Removal of the thymus gland.