Recording-2025-03-10T16:24:48.619Z

Lymphatic System Overview

• Location of Lymph Nodes

  • Found in neck, head, armpits, groin

  • Surround heart and are present in the area around lungs

• Function of Lymph Nodes

  • Enlarged when fighting infections (inflamed)

  • Key indicator of immune response

Tonsils

• Description

  • Round fleshy masses located at the back of the throat near the pharynx

• Function

  • First line of defense against foreign substances entering the body via nose and mouth

  • Produce lymphocytes and antibodies for protection against pathogens

  • Transport foreign antigens and support the mucosal immune system

• Importance Over Age

  • Tonsils decrease in importance with age as immune system matures

  • More critical in childhood when immunity is weaker

• Tonsil Removal

  • Indicated when tonsils become inflamed repeatedly due to infections

  • Recovery experiences vary based on age

Spleen

• Role

  • Can live without it, but may become more susceptible to infections

  • Enlarged spleen is known as splenomegaly

Thymus

• Function

  • Responsible for T-cell maturation (fight infection)

  • As we age, thymus decreases, leading to diminished immunity

Appendix

• Function

  • Filters toxins in the blood

• Inflammation Indicators

  • Pain localized in the lower right side of the abdomen

  • Sudden onset of pain usually indicates problem

• Appendix Removal

  • Pain from appendicitis is described as severe

  • Potential complications if left untreated (peritonitis)

Functions of the Lymphatic System

• Fluid Regulation

  • Returns excess fluid from tissues to blood

  • Prevents edema (fluid accumulation in tissues)

• Immunity Assistance

  • Contains lymphocytes (B cells, T cells) that protect the body

  • B cells: memory cells producing antibodies

  • T cells: attack pathogens directly

• Transport Mechanism

  • Transports large lipids absorbed from the digestive tract into lymph vessels, then to blood vessels

Types of Immunity

• Nonspecific Immunity

  • Automatic body responses to protect against pathogens

  • Examples include physical barriers (skin, nasal hair) and chemical barriers (antibacterial enzymes in tears and sweat)

• Specific Immunity

  • Built over time as the immune system develops

Body's Response to Infection

• Fever

  • Indicator that the body is fighting an infection

  • Increases body temperature to create an environment unsuitable for bacteria growth

  • Fever should generally not be reduced unless excessively high

• Inflammation

  • Reaction to infection involving increased blood flow and vasodilation

  • Essential for delivering white blood cells and proteins to infected areas

• Phagocytosis

  • Process through which immune cells engulf and destroy pathogens