Lymphatic GPT - (22-1 - 22-4)

Question 1

What are pathogens?

Answer 1

Pathogens are disease-causing organisms that can survive and thrive inside our bodies.

Question 2

Define immunity.

Answer 2

Immunity is the body’s ability to resist infection and disease.

Question 3

Describe the lymphatic system.

Answer 3

The lymphatic system is a network of vessels, tissues, and organs responsible for maintaining fluid balance and body defenses.

Question 4

What is lymph?

Answer 4

Lymph is a fluid similar to plasma with fewer suspended proteins found in the lymphatic system.

Question 5

What is the function of lymphatic vessels?

Answer 5

Lymphatic vessels carry lymph around the body and help maintain fluid balance.

Question 6

Name the types of lymphoid cells.

Answer 6

Lymphoid cells include lymphocytes, phagocytes, and other cells.

Question 7

What are primary lymphoid tissues and organs?

Answer 7

Primary lymphoid tissues and organs are where lymphocytes are fully formed and mature.

Question 8

Where do lymphocytes typically undergo activation, and in what types of anatomical locations or structures do these activation processes occur?

Answer 8

Lymphocytes are activated in secondary lymphoid tissues and organs.

Question 9

What are meningeal lymphatics responsible for?

Answer 9

Meningeal lymphatics are responsible for draining cerebrospinal fluid, removing wastes, and transporting immune cells.

Question 10

Describe the functions of the lymphatic system.

Answer 10

The functions of the lymphatic system include producing, maintaining, and distributing lymphocytes, detecting problems, and reaching the site of infection.

Question 11

How do lymphocytes leave the bloodstream?

Answer 11

Lymphocytes leave the bloodstream via capillaries.

Question 12

What is the purpose of lymphatic vessels in returning excess fluid to the bloodstream?

Answer 12

Lymphatic vessels return excess fluid to the bloodstream to maintain fluid balance.

Question 13

How do lymphatic vessels help maintain fluid balance in the body?

Answer 13

Lymphatic vessels help maintain fluid balance by collecting and returning excess fluid from peripheral tissues to the venous system.

Question 14

What are lymphatic capillaries and how do they differ from blood capillaries?

Answer 14

Lymphatic capillaries are the beginning of the lymphatic network, differing from blood capillaries as they are closed at one end and have larger lumen diameters.

Question 15

What are the key characteristics of small lymphatic vessels?

Answer 15

Small lymphatic vessels contain valves to prevent backflow and have three layers similar to veins.

Question 16

How do valves in lymphatic vessels function?

Answer 16

Valves in lymphatic vessels prevent backflow and produce noticeable bulges when closed together.

Question 17

Explain the role of skeletal muscle contraction in lymph flow.

Answer 17

Skeletal muscle contractions help propel lymph to its destination.

Question 18

Name the two types of lymph-collecting vessels.

Answer 18

There are two types of lymph-collecting vessels: superficial lymphatics and deep lymphatics.

Question 19

Differentiate between superficial and deep lymphatics.

Answer 19

Superficial lymphatics collect from superficial structures and drain into deep lymphatics, which receive lymph from internal organs.

Question 20

What do lymphatic trunks drain into?

Answer 20

Lymphatic trunks are larger vessels into which lymph-collecting vessels drain, and the trunks themselves drain into lymphatic ducts.

Question 21

Describe the thoracic duct and its function.

Answer 21

The thoracic duct is the largest lymphatic vessel in the human body, responsible for draining lymph from the lower extremities, abdomen, left upper limb, and left side of the thorax and head. Its primary function is to return collected lymph to the bloodstream, helping maintain fluid balance and transport immune cells throughout the body.

Question 22

What is the role of the right lymphatic duct?

Answer 22

The right lymphatic duct collects lymph from vessels on the right side of the body superior to the diaphragm.

Question 23

What is lymphedema, and why is it a concern?

Answer 23

Lymphedema is the obstruction of lymphatic vessels, and it is a concern because it may lead to uncontrolled infections.

Question 24

Which cells are the main lymphoid cells that function as the first line of defense?

Answer 24

Phagocytes and lymphocytes are the main lymphoid cells that function as the first line of defense.

Question 25

What do lymphocytes react to?

Answer 25

Lymphocytes react to specific pathogens, abnormal body cells, and foreign proteins.

Question 26

Define lymphoid tissues and provide an example.

Answer 26

Lymphoid tissues are areolar tissues densely packed with lymphocytes, such as lymph nodes or lymphoid nodules.

Question 27

Describe the structure and location of tonsils.

Answer 27

Tonsils are large lymph nodes located in the walls of the pharynx.

Question 28

What is MALT, and where can it be found in the body?

Answer 28

MALT, or mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue, covers the epithelia of the digestive, respiratory, urinary, and reproductive systems.

Question 29

List the major lymphoid organs in the body.

Answer 29

The major lymphoid organs in the body are lymph nodes, the thymus, and the spleen.

Question 30

What is the function of lymph nodes?

Answer 30

Lymph nodes defend against unwanted pathogens.

Question 31

Explain the structure of lymph nodes, including the hilum.

Answer 31

Lymph nodes are covered by dense connective tissue and have trabeculae extending into the node.

Question 32

Differentiate between afferent and efferent lymphatic vessels in lymph nodes.

Answer 32

Afferent lymphatic vessels bring lymph from tissues to lymph nodes, while efferent lymphatic vessels carry lymph away from the nodes.

Question 33

Describe the flow of lymph through lymph nodes.

Answer 33

Lymph flows into lymph nodes through a network of sinuses, an outer cortex, a paracortex, and an inner medulla.

Question 34

What is the role of the subscapular space in lymph nodes?

Answer 34

The subscapular space is a meshwork where lymph first enters, containing reticular fibers, macrophages, and dendritic cells.

Question 35

How do lymph nodes purify lymph before it enters the veins?

Answer 35

Lymph nodes purify lymph before it enters the veins by filtering and detecting antigens or abnormalities.

Question 36

What is the thymus, and how does its function change over time?

Answer 36

The thymus is an organ used in early life for immunity but atrophies later and becomes inactive.

Question 37

What is lymphadenopathy?

Answer 37

Lymphadenopathy refers to any disease affecting lymph nodes.

Question 38

Provide an overview of the anatomy of the thymus.

Answer 38

The thymus is a pink, grainy organ located in the mediastinum, posterior to the sternum.

Question 39

What is the function of the thymus cortex and its epithelial reticular cells?

Answer 39

The thymus cortex contains dividing T lymphocytes, and epithelial reticular cells maintain the blood-thymus barrier.

Question 40

Name the hormones produced by the thymus.

Answer 40

Thymus hormones include thymosin and its variants like thymosin-a, thymosin-b, thymosin V, thymopoietin, and thymulin.

Question 41

What is the spleen’s primary function in the body?

Answer 41

The spleen’s primary function is to remove abnormal blood cells, store recycled iron, and initiate immune responses.

Question 42

What is the length, weight, and location of the spleen?

Answer 42

The spleen is about 12 cm long and 160 g in weight, located along the lateral border of the stomach.

Question 43

What is the function of the hilum in the spleen?

Answer 43

The hilum in the spleen marks the border between the gastric and renal areas and allows vessels and lymphatics to communicate with the spleen.

Question 44

Explain the roles of red pulp and white pulp in the spleen.

Answer 44

Red pulp in the spleen contains large quantities of red blood cells, while white pulp resembles lymphoid nodules.

Question 45

Name the types of complement pathways and their activation methods.

Answer 45

The complement pathways in the lymphatic system are the classical, lectin, and alternative pathways, and they can be activated by immune complexes, microbial surfaces, and spontaneous hydrolysis, respectively.

Question 46

What is inflammation, and what are its cardinal signs?

Answer 46

Inflammation is the localized tissue response to injury, with cardinal signs including redness, swelling, heat, pain, and sometimes loss of function.

Question 47

How do mast cells contribute to inflammation?

Answer 47

Mast cells release histamine, heparin, and other chemicals that increase capillary permeability and blood flow, contributing to inflammation.

Question 48

Describe the role of neutrophils in inflammation.

Answer 48

Neutrophils play a role in inflammation by attacking cellular debris and bacteria.

Question 49

What is pus, and how is it formed?

Answer 49

Pus is a collection of debris, fluid, dead and dying cells, and necrotic tissue components that accumulates at an injury site during inflammation.

Question 50

What is a fever, and what is its purpose?

Answer 50

Fever is a body temperature above 99 degrees Fahrenheit and is a response to various pyrogens that stimulate the preoptic area of the hypothalamus to make it harder for pathogens to thrive and it increases the performance of WBCs.

Question 51

Define pyrogens and their role in fever.

Answer 51

Pyrogens are fever-inducing agents that can increase body temperature.

Question 52

What is the role of NK cells in immune surveillance?

Answer 52

NK cells are responsible for immune surveillance, monitoring peripheral tissues for cells with abnormal antigens and attacking them.

Question 53

Explain how interferons work in the immune system.

Answer 53

Interferons are small proteins released by various cells, including lymphocytes and macrophages, in response to viral infections to keep that virus from spreading.

Question 54

What is the complement system, and how does it activate?

Answer 54

The complement system consists of over 30 complement proteins that cascade and can be activated through three pathways: classical, lectin, and alternative.

Question 55

What are the properties of adaptive immunity?

Answer 55

The properties of adaptive immunity include specificity, versatility, memory, and tolerance.

Question 56

Differentiate between active and passive immunity.

Answer 56

Active immunity results from exposure to antigens, leading to the production of antibodies for those antigens.
Passive immunity involves the transfer of antibodies from another source.

Question 57

What is the role of antibodies in passive immunity?

Answer 57

In passive immunity, antibodies are transferred to an individual to provide immediate protection.

Question 58

Describe the specificity of adaptive immunity.

Answer 58

Adaptive immunity is specific, as it targets only a particular antigen and produces antibodies with targeted effects.

Question 59

Explain the versatility of adaptive immunity.

Answer 59

Versatility in adaptive immunity arises from the diversity of lymphocytes and variability of antibody structures.

Question 60

What is immune memory, and how does it benefit the immune system?

Answer 60

Immune memory allows the immune system to respond faster upon re-encountering the same antigen.

Question 61

Why is tolerance essential in the immune system?

Answer 61

Tolerance is essential in the immune system to ensure it does not attack self-antigens, and cells that react to self-antigens are typically destroyed.