Immune and Lymphatic System Structures

Immune/Lymphatic Structures

• Macrophages swallow and digest antigens, presenting them on their surface for T cell recognition.
• Killer T cells destroy cancerous or virus-invaded cells.
• Basophils are granulocytes that aid in the inflammatory response.
• Helper T cells bind specific antigens displayed on macrophage surfaces.
• The thymus gland is a dual-lobed mass that produces lymphocytes.
• Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped structures containing lymphocytes.
• Plasma cells are formed from B cells and produce large quantities of antibodies.
• Eosinophils are granulocytes that defend against parasites.
• Memory cells, produced from B and T cells, remain in the body for years, enabling a quicker response to repeat infections.
• Monocytes are agranulocytes that function in immune defense.
• Suppressor T cells diminish B and T cell activity once an infection is under control.
• B cells participate in the humoral response and form plasma cells.
• Neutrophils are granulocytes that function in immune defense.
• The immune system attacks foreign objects or infections in the body.
• Lymphocytes are agranulocytes that produce antibodies.
• The immune system serves as the body's defense mechanism.
• Tonsils are small masses of lymphoid tissue that protect the body from harmful microorganisms.
• Lymph is a fluid containing mostly water and solutes.
• The lymphatic system transports the "troops" that attack foreign objects or infections.
• T cells participate in cell-mediated responses.
• Lymphatic vessels are tubes that contain lymph.
• The spleen is an oval-shaped organ that filters blood.
• Peyer’s patches are sections of the small intestinal walls containing macrophages that destroy invading bacteria.

Immune Response

• T cells are involved in cell-mediated responses.
• T cells cannot interact directly with pathogens.
• Phagocytes act as intermediaries in the cell-mediated response.
• B cells are involved in humoral responses.
• A second immune response to a pathogen results in more antibody production in a faster time.
• Adaptive immunity produces a faster response.
• Humoral immunity is mainly used for bacterial and viral infections within circulation (blood).
• Passive immunity is the passing of immunity from mother to fetus via the placenta.
• Artificial immunity is the production of antibodies due to vaccination.
• Air and blood do not contribute to keeping the body free of foreign invaders.
• Natural immunity is the production of antibodies due to exposure to pathogens from the external environment.
• Active immunity is the production of antibodies due to exposure to pathogens from the external environment or through vaccination.
• Cell-mediated immunity is mainly used for parasites, fungi, cancer cells, and intracellular viruses.

Pathogens/Immune Disorders

• Airborne transmission passes disease through breathing.
• A virus is a piece of genetic material coated in protein that needs a host to replicate.
• Parasites are large organisms visible to the naked eye that live and feed on living hosts.
• Protists are single-celled eukaryotic organisms that feed on microorganisms and organic tissues.
• Contact transmission passes disease through touch.
• Fever is part of the inflammatory response.
• Foodborne/waterborne transmission passes disease by eating or drinking something containing the disease.
• Vector transmission passes disease through a living thing, such as a mosquito.
• Immunodeficiency/immunocompromise occurs when the immune system cannot operate properly and cannot fight off infection.
• A prion is a misfolded protein that is transmissible and can influence abnormal folding of normal proteins.
• Bloodborne transmission passes disease through the exchange of blood.
• Bacteria are microorganisms made of a single cell.
• Anaphylaxis is a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that may cause airway constriction.
• Autoimmunity occurs when the immune system attacks healthy cells.
• Sexual transmission passes disease through exchange of sexual contact.
• Fungus are eukaryotic organisms protected by a membrane and a thick cell wall.
• Allergies are due to an immune response to a harmless substance and may result in symptoms like itchy eyes or nasal congestion.
• HIV/AIDS is caused by a virus that damages the immune system.
• Leukemia is cancer of white blood cells and blood-forming tissues.
• Swelling occurs during the inflammatory response due to the release of chemicals (histamine) that cause blood vessels to leak fluid into tissue.