What is the function of the lymphatic vessels
to pick up and return excess tissue fluid to the blood vascular system
Lymph
tissue fluid or leaked plasma that has entered lymphatic vessels
Thoracic Duct
the terminal duct draining most of the body
Cisterna Chyli
the enlarged terminus of the thoracic duct that receives lymph from the digestive viscera
The right lymphatic duct drains
right arm and right half of upper torso and head
Three areas where lymph are closely clustered
axillary, cervical, and groin regions
Two main functions of lymph nodes
to remove debris from the lymph and multiplication of lymphocytes
What is the function of B Cells
they clone to produce daughter cells, most of which are plasma cells that release antibodies to the blood (humoral)
What is the role of T Cells
attack virus-infected cells, tumor cells, bacteria. Also activate B cells and enhance the migration of other WBCs into the area to destroy antigens
Immunological memory
ability of the immune system to respond very quickly to antigens that it recognizes as they have entered the body before
Specificity
ability to distinguish between closely related antigens
Autoimmune disease
the inability of the immune system to recognize self, resulting in the attack of self cells by the immune system
Lymph nodes
bean-shaped filters that cluster along the lymphatic vessels of the body. They function as a cleanser of lymph as wells as a site of T and B cell activation
Antigen
a molecule capable of provoking an immune response
Antibody
a protein produced by plasma cells that acts with a particular antigen to form a complex
Spleen
the largest lymphoid organ, cleanses the blood of aged cells and platelets and debris, site of immune surveillance and response, red pulp and white pulp
Lymphatic ducts
lymph is delivered into two large ducts, right duct drains the upper arm and right side of head and thorax, the other arises from the cisterna chyli and drains the rest of the body