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Questions and Answers
What is one of the primary functions of the lymphatic system?
What is one of the primary functions of the lymphatic system?
Which fluid makes up approximately 10% of what returns to the bloodstream from interstitial fluid?
Which fluid makes up approximately 10% of what returns to the bloodstream from interstitial fluid?
What type of cells specifically destroy harmful substances like bacteria and viruses in lymph nodes?
What type of cells specifically destroy harmful substances like bacteria and viruses in lymph nodes?
In what part of the body do T cells primarily originate?
In what part of the body do T cells primarily originate?
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Which type of lymphocyte is responsible for producing antibodies?
Which type of lymphocyte is responsible for producing antibodies?
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What fluid is filtered by lymph nodes as part of the immune response?
What fluid is filtered by lymph nodes as part of the immune response?
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Which of the following lymph nodes is located under the arms?
Which of the following lymph nodes is located under the arms?
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What role do natural killer (NK) cells play in the immune system?
What role do natural killer (NK) cells play in the immune system?
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What is the primary function of phagocytes?
What is the primary function of phagocytes?
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Which type of immunity is present at birth?
Which type of immunity is present at birth?
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What characterizes an allergic reaction?
What characterizes an allergic reaction?
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What is the role of an allergist?
What is the role of an allergist?
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What kind of reaction involves symptoms that develop quickly and may be life-threatening?
What kind of reaction involves symptoms that develop quickly and may be life-threatening?
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What are antihistamines used for?
What are antihistamines used for?
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Which of the following cells play a role in the immune response by engulfing pathogens?
Which of the following cells play a role in the immune response by engulfing pathogens?
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What is commonly tested in a scratch test for allergies?
What is commonly tested in a scratch test for allergies?
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What is the primary function of interferons?
What is the primary function of interferons?
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Where are the palatine tonsils located?
Where are the palatine tonsils located?
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What happens to the thymus as a person ages?
What happens to the thymus as a person ages?
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What process involves binding antigens to antibodies?
What process involves binding antigens to antibodies?
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Which of the following statements about antibodies is correct?
Which of the following statements about antibodies is correct?
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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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What do interleukins primarily direct in the immune system?
What do interleukins primarily direct in the immune system?
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Which term describes the acquired unresponsiveness to a specific antigen?
Which term describes the acquired unresponsiveness to a specific antigen?
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Study Notes
Lymphatic and Immune Systems Terminology
- Lymph is a fluid that removes waste products, pathogens, and dead blood cells from tissues.
- Lymphatic vessels and ducts return lymph from tissues to the bloodstream.
- Lymph nodes are bean-shaped structures that filter lymph, removing pathogens and harmful substances.
- Tonsils and adenoids are lymphoid structures that protect the respiratory system.
- The spleen is a sac-like mass of lymphoid tissue, providing protection for both the immune and lymphatic systems.
- Bone marrow produces lymphocytes (specialized leukocytes).
- Lymphocytes play a vital role in immune reactions.
- The thymus is a gland located in the chest, playing a role in both the lymphatic and immune systems.
Functions of the Lymphatic System
- Absorb fats and fat-soluble vitamins through lacteals in the small intestine.
- Remove waste products from tissues and assist the immune system in destroying pathogens.
- Return filtered lymph to veins.
Interstitial Fluid (Lymph)
- About 90% of interstitial fluid returns to the bloodstream; the remaining 10% forms lymph.
- Lymph removes dead cells, debris, and pathogens.
- Lymph is filtered by lymph nodes located along lymphatic vessels.
Lymph Nodes
- Small, bean-shaped structures containing lymphocytes.
- Destroy harmful substances (bacteria, viruses, and malignant cells).
- Approximately 400-700 lymph nodes are located throughout the body, primarily along larger lymphatic vessels.
- Different types of lymph nodes exist (e.g., cervical, abdominal, axillary, inguinal).
Lymphocytes
- Specialized leukocytes (white blood cells) that play a crucial role in immune responses.
- Three main types: natural killer (NK) cells, B cells, and T cells.
- NK cells kill cancer cells and infected cells.
- B cells produce antibodies (important for immunity).
- T cells are involved in cell-mediated immunity.
Cytokines
- Proteins (interferons and interleukins) released primarily by T cells.
- Interferons activate the immune system, especially in response to viral infections and some cancers.
- Interleukins regulate B and T cell activity and stimulate their proliferation.
Other Structures and Processes
- Tonsils: protective ring around the back of the nose and throat, preventing pathogens from entering the respiratory system.
- Adenoids: located in the nasopharynx (upper part of the pharynx), part of the tonsil structure.
- Palatine tonsils: located on the sides of the throat, visible in the back of the mouth
- Lingual tonsils: located at the base of the tongue (often not readily visible)
- Thymus: reaches its largest size during puberty, shrinks with age; essential for T cell maturation.
- Spleen: located in the left upper abdomen; filters microorganisms and other foreign material from the blood; has hemolytic activity to destroy worn-out red blood cells.
Antigens and Immunology
- An antigen-antibody reaction involves binding of antigens to antibodies, labeling potentially dangerous antigens for destruction.
- Antigens are substances perceived as foreign by the body (e.g., viruses, bacteria, toxins, transplanted tissues).
- Antibodies (immunoglobulins) are disease-fighting proteins produced by the immune system in response to the presence of an antigen.
- Tolerance is an acquired unresponsiveness to a specific antigen.
Phagocytes and Immunity
- Phagocytes are specialized leukocytes that destroy substances like debris, pathogens, and dust; they use phagocytosis.
- Macrophages are one type of phagocyte.
- Immunity refers to the state of being resistant to a specific disease.
- Natural immunity refers to immunity present at birth.
- Acquired immunity is obtained through exposure to a contagious disease or vaccination.
Medical Specialties Related to the Lymphatic System
- Allergists: diagnose and treat conditions of altered immunologic reactivity (e.g., allergies).
- Immunologists: diagnose and treat disorders of the immune system.
- Oncologists: diagnose and treat malignancies such as tumors and cancer.
Pathology and Diagnostic Procedures
- Allergic reaction: an immune response to a harmless substance (allergen).
- Hypersensitivity: an overreaction of the immune system to an allergen.
- Allergen: a substance that produces an allergic reaction.
- Allergic reaction symptoms (e.g., localized symptoms, anaphylaxis).
- Diagnostic tests (e.g., scratch tests) to identify allergens.
- Treatment (e.g., antihistamines).
Autoimmune Disorders and Immunodeficiency
- Autoimmune disorders: involve the immune system attacking the body's own tissues.
- Immunodeficiency disorders: the immune system's weakened ability to fight infection.
- Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is caused by Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), leading to a compromised immune system.
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Description
Test your knowledge of the lymphatic and immune systems with this quiz. Covering key terms like lymph, lymphocytes, and the roles of lymph nodes and the spleen, you'll explore how these components work together to protect the body. Assess your understanding of their functions and importance in immunity.