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40 Terms
1
Lymph
A clear fluid that circulates in the lymphatic system, containing white blood cells and other substances.
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2
Lymph vessels
Vessels that transport lymph throughout the body, connecting lymphatic capillaries to lymph nodes and eventually to the bloodstream.
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3
Lymphoid tissues/organs
Structures of the immune system, including primary (thymus, bone marrow) and secondary (spleen, lymph nodes) where lymphocytes are produced and activated.
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4
Lymphatic capillaries vs. blood capillaries
Lymphatic capillaries are more permeable and have blind ends, allowing for better absorption of interstitial fluid.
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5
Superficial lymphatics
Lymphatic vessels that collect lymph from the skin and subcutaneous tissues.
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6
Deep lymphatics
Lymphatic vessels that collect lymph from muscles and deeper structures.
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7
Thoracic duct
The lymphatic vessel that collects lymph from the left side of the body above the diaphragm and everything below the diaphragm.
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8
Right lymphatic duct
The lymphatic vessel that collects lymph from the right side of the body above the diaphragm.
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9
Cisterna chyli
The structure that receives lymph from inferior parts of the abdomen, pelvis, and lower limbs.
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10
Germinal center
The area within lymphoid tissues where B cells proliferate and differentiate.
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11
MALT
Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue; a type of lymphoid tissue found in mucosal linings.
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12
Lymph nodes
Small structures that filter lymph and house lymphocytes, with afferent vessels bringing lymph in and efferent vessels carrying lymph away.
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13
Thymus
A primary lymphoid organ where T cells mature and is known for the blood-thymus barrier.
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14
Spleen
A secondary lymphoid organ that filters blood and has red pulp (for blood filtration) and white pulp (for immune response).
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15
Innate immunity
The body's initial, non-specific defense mechanisms against pathogens, including physical barriers and certain immune cells.
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16
Adaptive immunity
The immune response that is specific and acquired over time, involving lymphocytes and memory for future responses.
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17
Lymphocytopoiesis
The process of lymphocyte development, starting from stem cells in bone marrow.
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18
Phagocytes
Cells that engulf and digest pathogens; includes microphages and macrophages.
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19
Interferons
Proteins released by cells in response to viral infections that help inhibit viral replication.
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20
Immune surveillance
The monitoring function of the immune system, primarily performed by cytotoxic T cells.
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21
Cytotoxic T cells
T cells that kill cancerous or infected cells.
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22
Clonal selection
The process by which specific B and T cells are selected for proliferation in response to an antigen.
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23
Antibody titer
The concentration of antibodies in the blood, indicating the level of immune response to a pathogen.
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24
Primary immune response
The initial response by the immune system upon first exposure to an antigen.
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25
Secondary immune response
The faster and stronger response by the immune system upon subsequent exposures to the same antigen.
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26
Naturally acquired active immunity
Immunity gained through exposure to a pathogen and the subsequent production of antibodies.
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27
Artificially acquired active immunity
Immunity gained through vaccination.
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28
Naturally acquired passive immunity
Immunity obtained from maternal antibodies.
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29
Artificially acquired passive immunity
Immunity obtained by the injection of antibodies.
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30
Antibody classes (IgA, IgD, IgE, IgG, IgM)
Different types of antibodies that perform various functions in immune responses.
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31
Constant segment of antibody
The part of the antibody that remains the same regardless of the antigen.
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32
Variable segment of antibody
The part of the antibody that contains the antigen-binding site and varies between antibodies to bind different antigens.
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Actions of antibodies
Neutralization, opsonization, agglutination, precipitation, complement activation, and enhancement of phagocytosis.
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34
Autoimmune disorders
Conditions in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues.
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35
SCID
Severe Combined Immunodeficiency; a genetic disorder affecting T and B lymphocyte functions.
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36
AIDS
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; a condition caused by HIV, affecting helper T cells.
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37
Lymphedema
Swelling due to excess lymph fluid in the body tissues, often from blockage of lymphatic vessels.
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38
Tonsillitis
Inflammation of the tonsils, often due to infection.
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39
Lymphadenitis
Inflammation of the lymph nodes, commonly due to infection.
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40
Hypersensitivities
Exaggerated immune responses that can lead to allergies or anaphylaxis.