The Lymphatic System Flashcards
(12 cards)
What are the components of the lymphatic system?
- Lymph
- Lymphatic vessels (Lymphatic capillaries, Small lymphatic vessels,
Major lymph collecting vessels) - Lymphoid tissues and organs (Spleen, thymus)
- Lymphocytes and Phagocytic cells (Lymphocytes: T cells, B cells and NK cells)
What is the main function of the lymphatic system?
Production, maintenance and distribution of Lymphocytes that provide defense against infections and other environmental hazards
Where do the lymphoid nodules occur?
Occur in the connective tissue deep to the epithelia lining the respiratory, digestive and urinary tract.
What are 2 examples of lymphoid nodules?
- The Mucosa Associated Lymphoid Tissue (MALT) clusters lymphoid nodules lining the intestine.
- Tonsils: large nodules in the walls of the pharynx
What are the functions of the lymph nodes?
Purify the lymph before it reaches the circulation, removes 99% of the antigens.
What are 2 types of body defences?
- Non-specific defences
2. Specific defences (immunity)
What are the 7 types of non-specific defences?
- Physical barriers
- Phagocytosis
- Immune surveillance
- Complement
- Interferons
- Inflammation
- Fever
How are specific defences carried out?
By the activity of T and B Lymphocytes in response to specific antigens
T cells: Cell mediated immunity ( cellular immunity)
B Cells: antibody mediated immunity (humoral immunity)
What are the 2 forms of immunity?
- Innate immunity
2. Acquired immunity
What are 3 types of immune disorders?
- Autoimmune disorders
- Immunodeficiency disease
- Allergies
What is acquired immunity?
Produced by prior exposure or antibody production
What is innate immunity?
Genetically determined- no prior exposure or antibody production involved
