Lymphatic - Immune
Anatomy / Functions of lymphatic capillaries and lymphatic trunks
Lymphatic Capillaries
Their permeability is due to the flap-like mini-valves that are connected to surrounding structures by collagen fillaments
Lymphatic Trunks
Right Lymphatic Duct: Composed of the right subclavian vein and right internal jugular. Receives lymph draining from the right side of the upper body, head and neck included
Thoracic Duct: Composed of the left subclavian vein and left internal jugular. Receives lymph draining from the rest of the body
The smallest of the vessels which also collect interstitial fluid
Lymphoid Organs
Red Bone Marrow: Production site of all lymphocytes and location of maturation for B-cells
Thymus: Bi-lobed lymphoid organ located in the mediastinum which is also the maturation site for T-cells
Secondary Lymphoid Organs: Provide locations for mature lymphocytes to monitor blood fluids and encounter foreign antigens
Lymph Nodes: Principal lymphoid organs of the body spread all over the lymphatic vessel that allow for lymphocytes to interact with lymph so they can identify foreign antigens and provide an immune response
White pulp of the spleen: Lymphocyte rich tissue that allows lymphocytes to interact with blood to mount an immune response against pathogens found in the blood
Tonsils: Surround the entrance of the pharynx gathering foreign pathogens from food, drinks and inhaled air
Peyer's Patch of small intestine: Protect the body from bacteria entering the ileum from the colon
Appendix: Pocket-like structure branching from the large intestine that houses a high concentration of lymphoid follicles. This helps control large bacterial populations in the large intestine while storing memory T&B cells
Innate Defenses: due to our anatomy, structure and chemical composition there are features in our body that ward off pathogens before they have the chance to infect the human cells
Surface Barriers: Skin and mucosae are the first line of defense essentially impenetrable with their structure and chemical production
Internal innate defenses: Composed of non-specific cells and chemical devices the body uses to identify potentially harmful substances
Phagocytes: Neutrophils and macrophages are most important cells in this category capable of engulfing particles via phagocytosis
Natural Killer Cells: A unique group of cells capable of destroying any self-identifiable infected with a virus or cancer cell
4 Types of Antibody Reactions
Neutralization: Antibodies block receptor sites on pathogens to prevent them from attaching to healthy cells
Agglutination: Antibodies bind to antigens causing the cells to clump together
Precipitation: Soluble molecules become interconnected by antibodies deeming them too large to stay in solution
Activation of Compliment: The presence of antigen-antibody complexes on pathogens will initiate the binding of compliment proteins to those specific cells where the antibodies are attached
T Lymphocytes
Helper T Cells: These cells direct the adaptive immune response by activating B cells. T cells and other macrophages
Regulatory T Cells: These cells slow the immune response one a foreign antigen has been eradicated and also prevent an auto immune disorder
Cytotoxic T Cells: These cells destroy other cells that have been identified as non-self