Lymphatic System / Immunity Flashcards
Immunity that is present at birth is ______?
Nonspecific (innate) immunity
What are the two types of immunity?
Nonspecific (innate) & Specific (adaptive)
What is the function of the lymphatic system?
To drain excess interstitial fluid from tissues and return to the blood. Transport lipids. Immune system destroys microbes and foreign cells.
How is lymph formed?
Fluid from plasma is leaked through capillaries > becomes interstitial fluid > flows into lymphatic capillaries > here it’s called lymph.
What are some factors that could affect the flow of lymph?
Muscle or respiratory pumps, valve in the lymph vessels, the rate that lymph is formed
Outline the circulation of lymph
Lymphatic capillaries > lymphatic vessels > through lymph nodes > into right lymphatic + left thoracic ducts > blood vessels
A collective and coordinated response to the introduction of foreign substances is called?
The immune response
When ready made antibodies are introduced into the body via placenta or mothers milk or injection of preformed exogenous antibodies it is called?
Passive immunity
Describe active immunity
When B-lymphocytes encounter antigens they produce antibodies against them.
- exposure to disease or via vaccine
What is the role of lymph nodes?
They produce macrophages that consume and destroy bacteria, viruses and cancer cells. They contain cells that respond to antigens and stimulate formation of antibodies
Describe the role of lymphocytes in the immune system
B-lymphocytes in nodes can develop into antibody-producing plasma cells or memory B cells to produce long lasting immunity to particular pathogens
What is the function of a fever in response to an infection?
Many pathogens replicate best at 37C so a raised body temperature can help inhibit them.
Fever can also enhance immune response especially phagocytosis and antibody production.
