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Anatomy & Physiology: Lymphatic & Immune System

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Terms in this set (25)

  • What is immunity?

    Immunity is the body's ability to resist infection and disease caused by pathogens or abnormal cells.

  • What are the major components of the lymphatic system?

    Lymph, lymphatic vessels, lymph nodes, lymphatic tissues and organs, and lymphocytes.

  • Name the primary lymphoid tissues and organs.

    Red bone marrow and thymus, where lymphocytes are formed and mature.

  • What are secondary lymphoid tissues and organs?

    Tonsils, MALT, lymph nodes, and spleen where lymphocytes are activated to start an immune response.

  • What are the three types of lymphocytes?

    T cells, B cells, and NK (Natural Killer) cells.

  • Where do B cells and NK cells mature?

    In the red bone marrow.

  • Where do T cells mature?

    In the thymus.

  • How is lymph formed?

    Interstitial fluid enters lymphatic capillaries during blood capillary exchange and becomes lymph.

  • What is the function of lymph nodes?

    Filter lymph to remove pathogens and cancer cells; contain B, T, and NK cells that attack threats.

  • Describe the flow of lymph through the lymphatic system.

    Lymphatic capillaries → lymph nodes → lymphatic trunks → collecting ducts → subclavian veins (blood circulation).

  • What is lymphedema?

    Swelling caused by obstruction of lymphatic vessels, increasing risk of infection.

  • What is MALT and where is it found?

    Mucosa-associated lymphatic tissue found in mucous membranes of digestive, respiratory, urinary, and reproductive tracts.

  • What is the role of the thymus in immunity?

    Development and maintenance of T cells; active mainly in early life and shrinks after puberty.

  • What are the innate defenses of the immune system?

    Physical barriers, phagocytes, NK cells, interferons, complement, inflammation, and fever.

  • What is the difference between innate and adaptive immunity?

    Innate immunity is nonspecific and present at birth; adaptive immunity is specific and develops after exposure to pathogens.

  • How do NK cells destroy abnormal cells?

    By secreting perforins that create holes in the plasma membrane, causing cell death.

  • What is antigen presentation?

    The display of antigens on cell membranes to help the immune system distinguish self from non-self.

  • Name the primary types of T cells and their functions.

    Cytotoxic T cells attack infected cells; Helper T cells activate B and T cells; Regulatory T cells moderate responses; Memory T cells remember antigens.

  • What is the difference between active and passive adaptive immunity?

    Active immunity produces antibodies by the body after exposure; passive immunity receives antibodies from another source.

  • List the five classes of antibodies and one key feature of each.

    IgG (most abundant, crosses placenta), IgE (allergic responses), IgD (binds extracellular antigens), IgM (first antibody produced), IgA (found in secretions).

  • What happens during the primary immune response?

    Initial exposure activates B cells to produce antibodies and memory B cells; antibody levels peak after 1-2 weeks.

  • How does the secondary immune response differ from the primary?

    Memory B cells respond immediately, producing more antibodies faster and in higher quantities.

  • What causes allergies and how does the immune system react?

    Allergens trigger IgE to stimulate mast cells to release histamine, causing inflammation and allergic symptoms.

  • What are autoimmune disorders?

    Conditions where autoantibodies attack the body's own tissues, e.g., lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes.

  • How does aging affect the immune system?

    Decreased T cell responsiveness, reduced helper T cells, slower antibody production, and diminished immune surveillance increase infection and cancer risk.