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Questions and Answers
What is the primary function of lymph nodes?
What is unique about the structure of lymphatic vessels compared to blood vessels?
What is the function of the spleen in the lymphatic system?
What is the role of B cells in the immune response?
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What is the direction of lymph fluid flow in the lymphatic system?
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What is the term for the swelling of lymph nodes in response to infection?
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What is the result of the lymphatic system's circulation of lymph fluid?
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What is the primary function of the thymus in the lymphatic system?
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Study Notes
Lymph Nodes
- Small, bean-shaped organs that filter lymph fluid
- Found throughout the body, particularly in neck, armpits, and groin
- Contain immune cells called lymphocytes that help fight infection
- Act as a filter, trapping pathogens and activating immune response
- Can become swollen or enlarged in response to infection (lymphadenopathy)
Lymphatic Vessels
- Network of tubes that transport lymph fluid throughout the body
- Similar to blood vessels, but with thinner walls and more permeable
- Allow for exchange of substances between lymph fluid and tissues
- One-way valves prevent backflow, ensuring lymph fluid flows towards heart
- Merge to form larger vessels, eventually draining into bloodstream
Immune Response
- Lymphatic system plays key role in immune response through activation of lymphocytes
- Lymphocytes recognize and respond to antigens, foreign substances in body
- Two main types: B cells (produce antibodies) and T cells (directly kill infected cells)
- Activation of lymphocytes triggers immune response, involving inflammation and production of antibodies
- Immune response can be specific (adaptive) or non-specific (innate)
Lymphoid Organs
- Primary lymphoid organs: bone marrow and thymus
- Bone marrow: produces immature lymphocytes
- Thymus: matures and selects T cells
- Secondary lymphoid organs: spleen, lymph nodes, tonsils, Peyer's patches
- Spleen: filters blood, removing old or damaged red blood cells
- Lymph nodes: filter lymph fluid, trapping pathogens
- Tonsils: trap pathogens in throat, activating immune response
- Peyer's patches: located in small intestine, monitor gut for pathogens
Fluid Circulation
- Lymphatic system circulates lymph fluid, a clear liquid containing:
- Proteins
- Fats
- Wastes
- Immune cells
- Lymph fluid flows from tissues to lymph nodes, then to lymphatic vessels
- Eventually drains into bloodstream, returning fluids and proteins to circulation
- Helps maintain fluid balance, removing excess fluids and proteins from tissues
Lymph Nodes
- Filter lymph fluid to trap pathogens and activate immune response
- Contain immune cells called lymphocytes that help fight infection
- Can become swollen or enlarged in response to infection (lymphadenopathy)
- Found in neck, armpits, and groin areas
Lymphatic Vessels
- Transport lymph fluid throughout the body
- Allow for exchange of substances between lymph fluid and tissues
- Have one-way valves to prevent backflow and ensure fluid flows towards heart
- Merge to form larger vessels, eventually draining into bloodstream
Immune Response
- Lymphatic system plays key role in immune response through activation of lymphocytes
- Lymphocytes recognize and respond to antigens, foreign substances in body
- B cells produce antibodies to fight infection
- T cells directly kill infected cells
- Activation of lymphocytes triggers immune response, involving inflammation and production of antibodies
Lymphoid Organs
- Bone marrow produces immature lymphocytes
- Thymus matures and selects T cells
- Spleen filters blood, removing old or damaged red blood cells
- Lymph nodes filter lymph fluid, trapping pathogens
- Tonsils trap pathogens in throat, activating immune response
- Peyer's patches monitor gut for pathogens
Fluid Circulation
- Lymphatic system circulates lymph fluid, a clear liquid containing proteins, fats, wastes, and immune cells
- Lymph fluid flows from tissues to lymph nodes, then to lymphatic vessels
- Eventually drains into bloodstream, returning fluids and proteins to circulation
- Helps maintain fluid balance, removing excess fluids and proteins from tissues
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Description
Learn about the functions and features of lymph nodes and lymphatic vessels in the human body, including their role in immune response and filtration.
