Lymphatics & Immune System Review

A set of flashcards summarizing key concepts from the lecture notes on the lymphatic and immune systems.

What is the primary role of the immune system?

The immune system destroys or neutralizes pathogens that cause disease or death.

What are the major functions of the lymphatic system?

Transport lymphocytes, return excess fluid to blood, transport dietary lipids, and house immune cells.

What is lymph?

Lymph is the clear fluid transported within lymph vessels.

How is lymph formed?

Lymph is formed when hydrostatic pressure of interstitial fluid pushes it into capillaries.

What is lymphedema?

Accumulation of interstitial fluid due to interference with lymphatic drainage.

Where do T cells undergo selection and maturation?

T cells mature in the thymus.

What type of immunity do NK cells provide?

Innate immunity by targeting virus-infected and cancer cells.

What are the two types of adaptive immunity?

Cell-mediated immunity (T-lymphocytes) and humoral immunity (B-lymphocytes).

What are antigens?

Substances that can stimulate an immune response, recognized by T-cells and antibodies.

What is the function of antigen-presenting cells (APCs)?

APCs display antigens on their surface to activate T cells.

What is the function of B cells in the adaptive immune response?

B cells differentiate into plasma cells that produce antibodies.

What characterizes innate immunity?

Innate immunity is nonspecific and provides immediate defense against a wide range of pathogens.

What is the first line of defense in the immune system?

The first line of defense includes mechanical barriers like unbroken skin and mucous membranes.

What occurs during inflammation?

Redness, swelling, heat, and pain occur due to release of chemicals, vascular changes, and attraction of white blood cells.

How do T helper cells support the immune response?

They release cytokines to activate and assist other immune cells, including B cells and macrophages.

What is clonal selection in the context of B cell activation?

Clonal selection refers to the process by which a B cell proliferates and differentiates upon binding an antigen.

What role do antibodies play in the immune response?

Antibodies bind to antigens, neutralizing them or marking them for destruction by other immune cells.

What is the difference between active and passive immunity?

Active immunity involves the body producing its own antibodies, while passive immunity involves acquiring antibodies from another source.

What triggers fever as part of the immune response?

Pyrogens trigger a rise in body temperature to enhance immune function and inhibit pathogen growth.

What is the role of complements in the immune system?

Complement proteins enhance phagocytosis, activate inflammation, and directly kill pathogens.