Lymphatic System HW Chapter 16

Lymphatic Components and Pathways

• Lymphatic pathway comprises vessels, nodes, and organs responsible for lymph transport and immune response.
• Pathway initiates at lymphatic capillaries, continues to lymphatic vessels, nodes, and drains into larger ducts.
• Major structures include the thoracic duct and right lymphatic duct, which return lymph to the bloodstream.

Photomicrographs and Structures

• Photomicrographs used to study details of lymphatic tissues and nodes such as the spleen, tonsils, and lymph nodes.
• Visual aids help identify structures like the capsule of lymph nodes, medullary cords, and cysterna chyli.
• Labeling exercises aid in memorizing anatomical features and functions of lymphatic organs.

Functional Structures and Terms

• Cysterna chyli: Collects lymph from the intestinal trunk, aiding in fat absorption.
• Inguinal nodes: Located in the groin area, filtering lymph from the lower limbs and pelvic region.
• Medullary cords of lymph node: Supports lymphocyte production and function within lymph nodes.
• Mucosa of ileum: Contains lymphoid tissue important for immune responses in the intestinal tract.
• Peyer’s patches: Aggregates of lymphoid tissue in the ileum facilitating immune surveillance.

The Spleen and Thymus

• Spleen serves as a blood filter, recycling iron from hemoglobin and housing immune cells.
• Thymus plays a role in T lymphocyte maturation, critical for adaptive immunity.

ELISA and Its Applications

• ELISA stands for Enzyme-Linked Immunoassay, a technique for detecting and quantifying proteins or antibodies.
• The specific substrate for horseradish peroxidase (HRP) is hydrogen peroxide, producing a distinguishable blue or yellow color change.
• Quantification in ELISA relies on the intensity of the color change, indicating the presence and concentration of analytes.

Regional Labeling of Lymph Nodes

• Lymph nodes classified based on anatomical regions to help locate and study their specific functions and importance within the lymphatic system.