Lymph System Flashcards
Main components of the lymphatic system
Lymphatic vessels, Lymph, Lymphatic Tissue, Lymphatic organs
What is Lymph
Clear, colourless fluid is left behind in the tissues after capillary exchange
Where are the lymphatic tissue
Found near the openings to the outside of the body, Peyer’s patches (In small intestines)
What are the lymphatic organs
Red bone marrow, thymus, lymph nodes, tonsils, spleen
Functions of the lymphatic system
Maintenance of fluid balance, absorption of fats, immunity
Lymphatic vessel function
Lymph fluid containing bacteria, lymphocytes flows into the vessels through gaps between the cells
What are the 2 collecting ducts that lymph vessels converge into
Right lymphatic duct - empties into the right subclavian vein
Thoracic duct - Empties into left subclavian vein
Function of the Thymus
Produces a hormone called thymosin that stimulates lymphocyte production
Role of the lymph nodes
Remove pathogens and foreign material in the lymph
Major lymph node clusters
Cervical lymph nodes - neck
Axillary lymph nodes - Armpit
Inguinal lymph nodes - Groin
Spleen functions
- Immunity
- Destruction of old red blood cells
- Blood storage
- Hematipoisis
Nonspecific immunity
External Barriers
Phagocytosis
Antimicrobial proteins
Natural killer cells
Inflammation
Fever
External barriers (4)
- Skin
- Mucous and mucous membrane
- Tears
- Saliva
Classes of T cells
Cytotoxic T cells: Carry out attack
Helper T cells: Supportive role
Memory T cells: For future infections
