Lymphatic & Immune Systems Flashcards
Explores the role of the lymphatic system in immunity, common immune disorders, and diagnostic and treatment procedures. (112 cards)
Define:
lymph
A clear fluid that circulates throughout the lymphatic system, containing white blood cells, proteins, and other substances, playing a crucial role in the immune system.
The body relies on lymph to transport immune cells to sites of infection.
Define:
lymphatic vessels
Thin-walled vessels that carry lymph fluid throughout the body, connecting lymph nodes and facilitating the flow of lymph.
The patient’s lymphatic vessels were examined for signs of obstruction.
Define:
lymph nodes
Small, bean-shaped structures that filter lymph fluid and house lymphocytes, playing a key role in the immune response.
The doctor palpated the lymph nodes to check for swelling or tenderness.
Define:
lymphatic capillaries
Microscopic vessels that collect excess tissue fluid and transport it to larger lymphatic vessels.
Lymphatic capillaries absorb excess fluid from the interstitial space.
Define:
thoracic duct
The largest lymphatic vessel in the body, responsible for draining lymph from the majority of the body into the bloodstream.
The thoracic duct plays a critical role in returning lymph to the circulatory system.
Define:
right lymphatic duct
A short lymphatic vessel that drains lymph from the right side of the head, neck, chest, and right arm into the bloodstream.
Lymph from the right side of the body is collected by the right lymphatic duct.
Define:
cisterna chyli
A large lymphatic sac located in the abdomen that collects lymph from the lower body and intestinal tract before it enters the thoracic duct.
The cisterna chyli serves as a reservoir for lymph from the lower extremities.
Define:
spleen
An organ located in the upper left abdomen that filters blood, recycles iron, and helps produce lymphocytes for the immune response.
The patient had splenomegaly, indicating an enlarged spleen.
Define:
thymus
A gland located in the upper chest that is vital for the development and maturation of T lymphocytes, essential for the adaptive immune response.
The thymus is most active during childhood and gradually shrinks with age.
Define:
tonsils
Lymphoid tissues located at the back of the throat that help protect against infections by trapping pathogens that enter through the mouth and nose.
The doctor examined the tonsils for signs of infection or enlargement.
Define:
Peyer’s patches
Aggregated lymphoid nodules located in the small intestine that monitor intestinal bacteria and prevent the growth of pathogenic bacteria.
Peyer’s patches play a crucial role in gut immunity.
Define:
appendix
A small, tube-like structure attached to the large intestine that is thought to play a role in gut immunity and maintaining gut flora.
The patient underwent an appendectomy to remove the inflamed appendix.
Define:
bone marrow
The soft, spongy tissue found in the center of bones that produces blood cells, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
Bone marrow biopsies are often performed to diagnose blood disorders.
Define:
lacteals
Lymphatic capillaries located in the villi of the small intestine that absorb dietary fats and transport them into the lymphatic system.
Lacteals help in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins from the digestive tract.
Define:
lymphoid tissue
A type of tissue that contains a high concentration of lymphocytes and is involved in the immune response, found in lymph nodes, spleen, and other organs.
Lymphoid tissue is essential for the body’s defense against pathogens.
Define:
lymphoid follicles
Small, organized clusters of lymphoid tissue that contain B cells and are found within lymph nodes and the spleen, crucial for the immune response.
Lymphoid follicles are where B cells proliferate and differentiate into plasma cells.
Define:
mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT)
Lymphoid tissues located in mucosal membranes throughout the body, including the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory tract, and urogenital tract, that protect against pathogens.
Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) plays a critical role in mucosal immunity.
Define:
gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT)
A component of the immune system found in the gastrointestinal tract, including Peyer’s patches and isolated lymphoid follicles, that responds to intestinal pathogens.
Gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) is important for maintaining intestinal health.
Define:
bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue (BALT)
Lymphoid tissue located in the bronchi and lungs that plays a role in immune responses to respiratory pathogens.
Bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue (BALT) helps defend against inhaled pathogens.
Define:
afferent lymphatic vessels
Lymphatic vessels that carry lymph fluid into a lymph node for filtration and immune processing.
The afferent lymphatic vessels deliver lymph to the lymph node.
Define:
efferent lymphatic vessels
Lymphatic vessels that carry filtered lymph away from a lymph node and back into the lymphatic system.
The efferent lymphatic vessels transport clean lymph to the bloodstream.
Define:
lymphocytes
A type of white blood cell that plays a central role in the immune response, including B cells and T cells.
Lymphocytes are crucial for identifying and responding to pathogens.
Define:
B cells (B lymphocytes)
A type of lymphocyte that produces antibodies and is essential for the humoral immune response.
B cells are activated upon encountering specific antigens.
Define:
T cells (T lymphocytes)
A type of lymphocyte that plays a critical role in cell-mediated immunity and includes various subtypes like helper T cells and cytotoxic T cells.
T cells are essential for targeting and destroying infected cells.