Biology Chapter 7: The Lymphatic System Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What does the lymphatic system consist of?

Bones

Cardiovascular veins

Red blood cells

Lymphatic vessels and organs (correct)

What are the four main functions of the lymphatic system?

Absorb excess interstitial fluid, 2. Absorb dietary fats, 3. Production, maintenance, and distribution of lymphocytes, 4. Fighting pathogens.

Which of the following statements is true about lymphatic vessels?

They are similar in anatomy to cardiovascular veins. (correct)

Movement of lymph does not depend on skeletal muscle.

They carry oxygenated blood.

They do not have valves.

What are the two lymphatic ducts?

Thoracic duct and right duct Signup and view all the answers

What are the two types of lymphatic organs?

Primary and secondary Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of red bone marrow in the lymphatic system?

Site for blood cell production and site of B cell maturation. Signup and view all the answers

The thymus is responsible for T cell maturation.

True Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the spleen?

Filters blood and removes pathogens, debris, and old red blood cells. Signup and view all the answers

Lymph nodes are commonly found in the _____, armpit, and groin.

neck Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true about tonsils?

They are located in the pharynx. Signup and view all the answers

What is immunity?

Body protection from foreign substances, pathogens, and cancer cells. Signup and view all the answers

Innate immunity has memory and specific recognition.

False Signup and view all the answers

What are non-specific defenses?

Physical and chemical barriers, inflammatory response, protective proteins. Signup and view all the answers

What is considered the first line of defense in the immune system?

Physical and chemical barriers Signup and view all the answers

What are the four hallmarks of the inflammatory response?

Redness, heat, swelling, pain. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of protective proteins in the immune system?

Amplify the inflammatory response and cause pathogens to burst. Signup and view all the answers

What is adaptive immunity?

Initiated when exposed to a pathogen and provides specific protection. Signup and view all the answers

How does the adaptive immune system work?

Through cell-mediated and antibody-mediated pathways Signup and view all the answers

What are B Cell Receptors (BCR)?

Protein receptors on B cells that bind to antigens. Signup and view all the answers

What is the structure of an antibody?

Y-shaped proteins with two arms, consisting of variable and constant regions. Signup and view all the answers

Which immunoglobulin is the major type found in blood?

IgG Signup and view all the answers

IgM is the _____ antibody formed by newborns.

first Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of IgA?

Prevents pathogens from attaching to epithelial cells. Signup and view all the answers

IgE is responsible for immediate allergic responses.

True Signup and view all the answers

What is one function of antibodies?

Neutralization. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Lymphatic System Overview

Comprises lymphatic vessels and organs.
Performs essential functions including absorbing excess interstitial fluid and dietary fats, producing lymphocytes, and fighting pathogens.

Lymphatic Vessels

Similar to cardiovascular veins, featuring valves.
Lymph movement is aided by skeletal muscle contractions.

Lymphatic Ducts

Two primary ducts:
- Thoracic duct (larger), drains into the left subclavian vein.
- Right lymphatic duct (smaller), drains into the right subclavian vein.

Lymphatic Organs

Two categories: primary organs (red bone marrow, thymus) and secondary organs (lymph nodes, spleen, tonsils).

Specific Lymphatic Organs

Red Bone Marrow: Site for blood cell production and maturation of B cells.
Thymus: Bilobed organ where immature T cells mature; produces Thymosin, which aids T cell maturation.
Spleen: Filters blood, removes pathogens and old red blood cells via macrophages.
Lymph Nodes: Located along lymphatic vessels, filter lymph, and are abundant in neck, armpit, and groin; contain compartments filled with immune cells.
Tonsils: Located in the pharynx; function similarly to lymph nodes.
Peyer Patches: Found in intestinal walls and appendices; contribute to immune defense.

Immunity

Protection against foreign substances, pathogens, and cancer cells.

Innate Immunity

Acts as the first responder without specific recognition; does not depend on prior pathogen exposure.

Nonspecific Defenses

Include physical and chemical barriers, inflammatory response, and protective proteins.

Physical and Chemical Barriers

First line of defense includes:
- Physical: Skin and mucous membranes.
- Chemical: Acidic secretions and enzymatic secretions.

Inflammatory Response

The second line of defense involving neutrophils and macrophages.
Classic symptoms include redness, heat, swelling, and pain, all triggered by histamine release.

Complement System

A series of plasma proteins labeled by the letter C followed by numbers.
Amplifies inflammatory response and assists in pathogen destruction.

Interferons

Produced by virally infected cells to alert neighboring cells of viral presence.

Adaptive Immunity

Activated upon pathogen exposure; provides protection against cancer.
Relies on distinguishing "self" from "nonself" and functions through B cells and T cells.

Mechanisms of Adaptive Immunity

Two pathways:
- Cell Mediated: T cell dependent.
- Antibody Mediated: B cell dependent (also known as humoral immunity).

B Cells and Antibody Mediated Immunity

B cell receptors (BCR) bind to antigens, leading to proliferation into plasma and memory cells.

Antibody Structure

Y-shaped proteins composed of variable (antigen binding site) and constant regions (classification).

Types of Antibodies

IgG: Major antibody in blood; crosses placenta; activates complement and enhances phagocytosis.
IgM: Largest antibody; first produced during infection; agglutinates cells.
IgA: Predominantly found in secretions (saliva, breast milk); prevents pathogen attachment to epithelial cells.
IgD: Found on immature B cells; indicates readiness for activation.
IgE: Associated with allergic responses and parasitic worm protection.

Functions of Antibodies

Include neutralizing pathogens and attracting white blood cells for enhanced immune response.

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Description

Test your knowledge of the lymphatic system with these flashcards covering key terms and functions. Learn about the anatomy, roles, and importance of lymphatic vessels and organs. Ideal for biology students looking to reinforce their understanding of this crucial system.