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What is the role of plasma cells in the immune response?
What is the role of plasma cells in the immune response?
Plasma cells produce antibodies that bind to antigens, effectively neutralizing them.
How do memory B cells enhance the immune response upon subsequent exposure to the same pathogen?
How do memory B cells enhance the immune response upon subsequent exposure to the same pathogen?
Memory B cells divide rapidly to form plasma cells, resulting in a faster and stronger immune response.
Explain how antibodies facilitate phagocytosis.
Explain how antibodies facilitate phagocytosis.
Antibodies bind to both the antigens and macrophages, signaling the macrophages to phagocytize the complex.
Distinguish between active and passive immunity.
Distinguish between active and passive immunity.
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What triggers a primary immune response?
What triggers a primary immune response?
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Describe the key functional difference between the primary and secondary immune response.
Describe the key functional difference between the primary and secondary immune response.
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What physical and chemical barriers must antigens overcome to trigger an immune response?
What physical and chemical barriers must antigens overcome to trigger an immune response?
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How does vaccination contribute to immunity against specific pathogens?
How does vaccination contribute to immunity against specific pathogens?
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What are the primary functions of the spleen in the immune system?
What are the primary functions of the spleen in the immune system?
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Describe the structure of the thymus and its role in T cell maturation.
Describe the structure of the thymus and its role in T cell maturation.
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What are the main components of the lymphatic system?
What are the main components of the lymphatic system?
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What are some common disorders associated with the lymphatic system?
What are some common disorders associated with the lymphatic system?
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Explain how white blood cells participate in phagocytosis.
Explain how white blood cells participate in phagocytosis.
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How do B cells contribute to the antibody-mediated immune response?
How do B cells contribute to the antibody-mediated immune response?
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What is the role of memory cells in adaptive immunity?
What is the role of memory cells in adaptive immunity?
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How do natural killer cells differ from T lymphocytes?
How do natural killer cells differ from T lymphocytes?
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What triggers the inflammatory response, and what are its main characteristics?
What triggers the inflammatory response, and what are its main characteristics?
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Describe the role of cytokines in the immune response.
Describe the role of cytokines in the immune response.
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What role do T cells play in the adaptive immune system?
What role do T cells play in the adaptive immune system?
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How does the innate immune system differ from the adaptive immune system?
How does the innate immune system differ from the adaptive immune system?
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What is the function of cilia in the respiratory passages?
What is the function of cilia in the respiratory passages?
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Explain the role of histamine in the immune response.
Explain the role of histamine in the immune response.
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Why are physical barriers important in the innate immune system?
Why are physical barriers important in the innate immune system?
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Describe the function of the spleen in the immune system.
Describe the function of the spleen in the immune system.
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How do B cells contribute to the adaptive immune response?
How do B cells contribute to the adaptive immune response?
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What are common lymphatic disorders that can affect the immune system?
What are common lymphatic disorders that can affect the immune system?
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What is the significance of cytokines in the immune response?
What is the significance of cytokines in the immune response?
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In what way does the stomach contribute to the innate immune response?
In what way does the stomach contribute to the innate immune response?
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What are the main functions of the spleen in the lymphatic system?
What are the main functions of the spleen in the lymphatic system?
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Describe the structure of the thymus and its role in T cell maturation.
Describe the structure of the thymus and its role in T cell maturation.
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What are the primary functions of the lymphatic system?
What are the primary functions of the lymphatic system?
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What are common disorders associated with the lymphatic system?
What are common disorders associated with the lymphatic system?
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Explain the activation process of helper T cells during an immune response.
Explain the activation process of helper T cells during an immune response.
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What is the role of the spleen in the immune system?
What is the role of the spleen in the immune system?
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How does the thymus contribute to T cell maturation?
How does the thymus contribute to T cell maturation?
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What are the main functions of the lymphatic system?
What are the main functions of the lymphatic system?
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Name one common disorder of the lymphatic system and its impact.
Name one common disorder of the lymphatic system and its impact.
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What mechanisms are involved in the innate immune response?
What mechanisms are involved in the innate immune response?
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What distinguishes adaptive immunity from innate immunity?
What distinguishes adaptive immunity from innate immunity?
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Explain how T cells recognize pathogens.
Explain how T cells recognize pathogens.
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What is the relationship between the immune and lymphatic systems?
What is the relationship between the immune and lymphatic systems?
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Describe the role of inflammation in the immune response.
Describe the role of inflammation in the immune response.
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Why is it important for the body to distinguish between 'self' and 'non-self'?
Why is it important for the body to distinguish between 'self' and 'non-self'?
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What is a pathogen and give two examples?
What is a pathogen and give two examples?
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How do T-cells and B-cells recognize pathogens?
How do T-cells and B-cells recognize pathogens?
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What are the two main categories of immunity?
What are the two main categories of immunity?
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What is the primary function of the lymphatic system?
What is the primary function of the lymphatic system?
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Describe the difference between innate and adaptive immunity.
Describe the difference between innate and adaptive immunity.
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What role do antigens play in the immune response?
What role do antigens play in the immune response?
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What are the physical barriers involved in innate immunity?
What are the physical barriers involved in innate immunity?
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Why is the ability to distinguish 'self' from 'non-self' important for the immune system?
Why is the ability to distinguish 'self' from 'non-self' important for the immune system?
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What is the significance of the bone marrow in haematopoiesis?
What is the significance of the bone marrow in haematopoiesis?
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How do reticular fibres contribute to the structure of lymphatic tissue?
How do reticular fibres contribute to the structure of lymphatic tissue?
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What is the difference between encapsulated and nonencapsulated lymphatic tissues?
What is the difference between encapsulated and nonencapsulated lymphatic tissues?
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What role do lymph nodes play in filtering lymph?
What role do lymph nodes play in filtering lymph?
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In what way do lymphatic nodules differ from diffuse lymphatic tissue?
In what way do lymphatic nodules differ from diffuse lymphatic tissue?
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What happens to cancer cells in lymph nodes?
What happens to cancer cells in lymph nodes?
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Why are macrophages important in lymphatic tissue?
Why are macrophages important in lymphatic tissue?
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How does mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) function in the immune system?
How does mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) function in the immune system?
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What is the role of the reticular cells in lymphatic tissue?
What is the role of the reticular cells in lymphatic tissue?
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What are Peyer's patches and where are they primarily found?
What are Peyer's patches and where are they primarily found?
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What is the role of helper T cells in the immune response?
What is the role of helper T cells in the immune response?
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How does HIV affect helper T cells?
How does HIV affect helper T cells?
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What conditions arise when helper T cell counts fall below 200 per cubic mm?
What conditions arise when helper T cell counts fall below 200 per cubic mm?
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What is the primary function of the lymphatic system?
What is the primary function of the lymphatic system?
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Describe the composition of lymph.
Describe the composition of lymph.
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How do lymphatic capillaries differ from blood capillaries?
How do lymphatic capillaries differ from blood capillaries?
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What biological mechanism allows the body to increase temperature in response to infection, and why is this beneficial?
What biological mechanism allows the body to increase temperature in response to infection, and why is this beneficial?
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Explain how swollen lymph nodes indicate an immune response.
Explain how swollen lymph nodes indicate an immune response.
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What role do macrophages play in the immune response?
What role do macrophages play in the immune response?
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What is HAART, and how does it relate to HIV treatment?
What is HAART, and how does it relate to HIV treatment?
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Identify two factors that influence microbial growth and elaborate on their importance.
Identify two factors that influence microbial growth and elaborate on their importance.
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Explain the function of lymph nodes in the lymphatic system.
Explain the function of lymph nodes in the lymphatic system.
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How does the skin act as a defense mechanism against infections?
How does the skin act as a defense mechanism against infections?
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What is the significance of memory B and T cells in the immune system?
What is the significance of memory B and T cells in the immune system?
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Discuss the role of macrophages in the immune response.
Discuss the role of macrophages in the immune response.
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What is the function of lymph nodes in the immune system?
What is the function of lymph nodes in the immune system?
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How do the tonsils contribute to the immune system?
How do the tonsils contribute to the immune system?
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Describe the composition and function of the spleen.
Describe the composition and function of the spleen.
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What role does the thymus play in T cell development?
What role does the thymus play in T cell development?
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What are the consequences of a splenectomy?
What are the consequences of a splenectomy?
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How do afferent and efferent vessels function in lymph nodes?
How do afferent and efferent vessels function in lymph nodes?
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What type of tissue makes up the tonsils?
What type of tissue makes up the tonsils?
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Why is the spleen located in the left hypochondriac region?
Why is the spleen located in the left hypochondriac region?
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At what age is the thymus fully developed?
At what age is the thymus fully developed?
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What is the significance of macrophages in the spleen?
What is the significance of macrophages in the spleen?
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Study Notes
Adaptive immunity
-
Specific immune response triggered by exposure to a particular pathogen
-
Characterized by specificity and memory
-
Mediated by lymphocytes: B cells and T cells
Cell-mediated immunity
- Immunity mediated by T cells
- T cells target intracellular antigens (within cells), mainly viruses
- T cells recognize MHC class 1 molecules displaying altered proteins on infected cells
- Helper T cells enhance immune response by stimulating cytotoxic T cells
Cytotoxic T cells
- Destroy infected cells by releasing cytotoxic substances
- Create holes in cell membranes leading to cell lysis
- Form memory cells, enabling quicker response in future encounters
- Effective against intracellular pathogens
Antibody Mediated Immunity
- Immunity mediated by B cells
- B cells target extracellular antigens (outside cells), particularly bacteria
- B cells recognize and bind to specific antigens
- Helper T cells, recognizing the same antigen, stimulate B cell division
- B cell proliferation generates plasma cells and memory cells
- Plasma cells produce antibodies specific to the antigen
- Antibodies neutralize pathogens in various ways: inactivation, agglutination, and facilitating phagocytosis
- Memory cells retain the ability to quickly produce specific antibodies upon re-exposure
Innate immunity
- Non-specific defense present from birth
- Offers immediate protection from pathogens and antigens
- Responds the same way to each exposure (no memory)
- Acts as the first line of defense: physical barriers, chemical mediators, and white blood cells.
Physical barriers
- Prevent entry or remove microbes
- Examples: skin, mucous membranes, saliva, tears, gastric acid, urine, ciliary action in respiratory passages, coughing and sneezing
Chemical Mediators
- Promote phagocytosis and inflammation
- Examples: histamine, cytokines
White blood cells (Leukocytes)
- Produced in bone marrow or lymphatic tissue
- Circulate in the blood and lymphatic system
- Attracted to sites of injury or infection by chemical signals
- Perform phagocytosis (engulf foreign particles)
- Release chemicals to recruit other immune cells
Different types of White blood cells
- Neutrophils: First responders, key in acute inflammation
- Macrophages: Highly effective phagocytes, important in later stages of inflammation and tissue repair
- Basophils: Involved in immunosurveillance, release histamine
- Eosinophils: Combat parasitic infections, participate in allergic responses
- Natural killer cells: Eliminate virus-infected or cancerous cells
Inflammation
- Local tissue response to injury
- Aimed at removing debris, invaders, and preventing further pathogen entry
- Characterized by: redness, heat, swelling, pain
Fever
- Generalized response of the body to tissue damage and infection
- Increased body temperature, often associated with inflammation and infection
- Enhances macrophage activity, reduces microbial growth, and supports tissue repair
Immune Disfunction - HIV
- HIV targets helper T cells, which are crucial for adaptive immunity
- HIV destroys helper T cells through infection and immune response
- Depletion of helper T cells impairs both antibody-mediated and cell-mediated immunity
- Leads to increased susceptibility to infections and cancers
- Can progress to AIDS
### Lymphatic System Function
- Fluid balance: Excess interstitial fluid becomes lymph and is transported back to the circulatory system
- Fat absorption: Absorbs fats and other substances from the digestive tract
- Defense: Filters lymph and blood for foreign substances
### Anatomy of the Lymphatic System
- Lymph: Fluid within the lymphatic system
- Lymphatic vessels: Carry lymph away from tissues
- Lymphatic tissues: Specialized tissues containing lymphocytes, macrophages, dendritic cells
- Lymph nodes: Filter lymph
- Tonsils: Lymphatic organs in the throat
- Spleen: Lymphatic organ filtering blood.
- Thymus: Site of T cell development and maturation
### Lymph
- Contains water, solutes, and cells
- Returns to the circulatory system via veins, maintaining fluid balance
Lymphatic vessels
- Highly permeable capillaries, allowing fluid and cells to enter
- Capillaries join to form lymphatic vessels.
- Vessels equipped with valves to ensure one-way flow
- Lymph nodes are distributed along lymphatic vessels.
- Lymph trunks: Collect lymph from different regions
- Lymphatic ducts: Drain lymph into specific veins
- Lymph movement is facilitated by skeletal muscle contractions
### Lymphatic tissues and organs
- Contain lymphatic tissue, which is responsible for immune functions
- Lymphocytes: B and T cells, essential for adaptive immunity
Pathogens & Antigens
- Pathogens are foreign agents that can cause disease.
- Different types of pathogens include bacteria (e.g., Staphylococci, Salmonella), fungi (e.g., Candida), Protozoa (e.g., Amoeba), and parasites (e.g., worms).
- Pathogens introduce foreign proteins called antigens into the body.
- Antigenic receptors on T-cells and B-cells recognize these antigens as "non-self" and initiate immune responses to eliminate them.
- Each pathogen can have multiple antigens.
Immunity
- The ability to resist harm from foreign and internal threats.
- The body distinguishes between "self" and "non-self".
- External threats include microorganisms (e.g., bacteria, fungi, viruses, and toxins).
- Internal threats include cancer cells.
- Two categories of immunity: innate (non-specific) and adaptive (specific).
- Innate immunity is the body's initial response to any pathogen, regardless of its type.
- Adaptive immunity involves B-cell and T-cell responses that recognize specific pathogens.
- Both innate and adaptive immunity work together to protect the body.
Immune vs Lymphatic System
- The lymphatic system is a transport network for immune cells and antigens throughout the body.
- It also contains tissues where immune cells reside.
- The immune system comprises proteins, cells, tissues, and organs that are widely distributed throughout the body.
Innate Immunity
- Physical barriers include skin and mucous membranes.
- Inflammation is an immune response to injury or infection, characterized by redness, swelling, heat, and pain.
- Chemical mediators are substances that regulate the immune response.
- White blood cells (leukocytes) are crucial components of the innate immune response.
Adaptive Immunity
- Macrophages engulf pathogens or antigens.
- Helper T cells investigate the pathogen and trigger an immune response if it is identified as "non-self".
- Helper T cells activate B cells that have bound to the pathogen, causing them to proliferate into plasma cells and memory B cells.
- Plasma cells produce antibodies.
- Memory B cells remain in the immune system, providing long-term immunity against the same pathogen.
- Helper T cells can also activate cytotoxic T cells that have identified the pathogen/antigen.
- Cytotoxic T cells proliferate and kill cells infected with the pathogen.
- Memory T cells are produced to provide future protection against the same pathogen.
Immune System Dysfunction: HIV/AIDS
- HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) infects helper T cells by binding to the CD4 protein on their surface.
- HIV infects and destroys helper T cells.
- The destruction of helper T cells impairs both antibody-mediated and cell-mediated immunity.
- A normal helper T cell count is around 1200 per cubic millimeter.
- When the count drops below 200 per cubic millimeter, the individual is considered to have AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome).
- Antibody levels decrease, leading to weakened immunity.
- HIV is believed to have originated in the Congo and spread to the US through Haiti in the late 1960s/70s.
- The CDC first described AIDS in the US in 1981.
- AIDS makes individuals vulnerable to ordinary infections that can become life-threatening, including Pneumocystis pneumonia, tuberculosis, syphilis, and Candidiasis.
- There is an increased risk of cancer in individuals with AIDS.
- HIV transmission occurs through contact with infected bodily fluids.
- Treatment of HIV involves highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) to control virus replication.
- HAART has transformed HIV from a death sentence to a chronic condition where individuals can live for many years.
- Treatment also involves managing secondary infections and malignancies.
Functions of the Lymphatic System
- Fluid balance: Excess interstitial fluid enters lymphatic capillaries and becomes lymph.
- Fat absorption: Lacteals in the digestive tract absorb fats and other substances.
- Defense: Lymph nodes and the spleen filter lymph and blood to remove microorganisms and other foreign substances.
Anatomy of the Lymphatic System
- Lymph is the fluid contained within the lymphatic system composed of water and solutes from plasma and cells.
- Lymphatic vessels are a network of tubes that carry lymph away from tissues.
- Lymphatic tissues are specialized tissues within the lymphatic system that support immune functions.
- Lymphatic nodules are dense aggregations of lymphatic tissue.
- Lymph nodes are essential for filtering lymph.
- The tonsils are lymphatic organs located in the nasopharynx and oral cavity.
- The spleen is a lymphatic organ located in the left upper abdomen.
- The thymus is a lymphatic organ located in the superior mediastinum.
Lymph
- Lymph is composed of water and solutes from plasma and cells.
- It returns to the circulatory system via veins, playing a crucial role in fluid balance.
Lymphatic Vessels
- Carry lymph away from the tissues.
- Lymphatic capillaries are more permeable than blood capillaries and lack a basement membrane.
- Lymphatic capillaries join to form lymphatic vessels.
- Lymphatic vessels have valves that ensure unidirectional flow of lymph.
- Lymph nodes are located along lymphatic vessels and filter lymph.
- Lymph trunks collect lymph from different regions of the body.
- Lymphatic ducts drain lymph from the body into major veins:
- Right lymphatic duct drains the right side of the head, right upper limb, and right thorax.
- Thoracic duct drains the rest of the body.
- Skeletal muscle contractions help move lymph through the vessels.
Lymphatic Tissues and Organs
- Lymphatic organs contain lymphatic tissue (lymphocytes, macrophages, dendritic cells).
- Lymphocytes are white blood cells derived from bone marrow.
- Reticular fibers, produced by reticular cells, create a network that filters lymph and provides an anchor for lymphocytes and macrophages.
- Lymphoid tissue may be encapsulated (e.g., lymph nodes, spleen, thymus) or non-encapsulated (e.g., MALT).
Diffuse Lymphatic Tissue
- Dispersed lymphocytes and macrophages.
- Found in the mucosa and periphery of lymphoid nodules.
Lymphatic Nodules
- Denser aggregations of lymphocytes.
- Numerous in loose connective tissue of digestive (Peyer's patches), respiratory, urinary, and reproductive systems.
Lymph Nodes
- The only structures that filter lymph.
- Macrophages remove bacteria and other substances through phagocytosis, or stimulate lymphocytes to proliferate.
- Cancer cells can migrate to lymph nodes, proliferate, and potentially spread to the circulatory system.
- Lymph nodes have afferent (in) and efferent (out) vessels.
- They activate immune responses.
Tonsils
- Large groups of lymphoid tissue in the nasopharynx and oral cavity.
- Protect against bacteria and other harmful materials.
- Types of Tonsils
- Palatine: The largest and most common.
- Pharyngeal: Posterior wall of the nasopharynx.
- Lingual: Base of the tongue.
- Composed of stratified squamous epithelium
- Play a role in immune memory.
Spleen
- Located in the left upper abdomen.
- Similar in size to a kidney, but can increase in size with age and disease.
- Has a hilum where blood vessels and nerves enter.
- Blood enters the spleen through the splenic artery, is filtered, and exits through the splenic vein.
- Red pulp is associated with veins and contains macrophages and red blood cells (75% of spleen volume).
- White pulp is associated with arteries and contains lymphatic tissues (25% of spleen volume).
- Functions:
- Filters and monitors blood, detects and responds to foreign antigens/bacteria.
- Destroys defective red blood cells.
- Regulates blood volume.
- Stores a limited reserve of red blood cells.
- Can rupture in traumatic abdominal injuries.
- Splenectomy (removal of the spleen) is possible, but increases susceptibility to infections).
Thymus
- Located in the superior mediastinum.
- Fully developed at 12 months of age.
- Surrounded by a connective tissue capsule.
- Contains a cortex (numerous lymphocytes) and a medulla (fewer lymphocytes).
- Site of T cell maturation.
- Has endocrine functions.
- Most mature T cells enter the circulatory system but some remain in the thymus to react to foreign substances.
Overview of the Lymphatic System
- The lymphatic system is essential for fluid balance, fat absorption, and defense against infection.
- Key components include lymphatics, vessels, tissues, and organs.
- It plays a crucial role in the body by transporting immune cells and filtering lymph.
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Description
This quiz covers essential concepts of immunology, including the roles of plasma cells, memory B cells, antibodies, and the differences between active and passive immunity. Understand how vaccinations enhance immunity and the barriers antigens must overcome to trigger an immune response. Test your knowledge on the primary and secondary immune responses and their key differences.