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Lymphatic/Immune System (Anatomy of the lymphatic system (Vessels…
Lymphatic/Immune System
Major Functions
lymphatic system
Returns fluids that leak from the vascular system back into the blood.
Provide structural basis for the immune system
Immune system
Defends the body from disease-causing organisms and also from cancer cells
Anatomy of the lymphatic system
Vessels
Lymphatic Vessels
All excess protein-containing fluid collects and is returned to the bloodstream
Collecting lymphatic vessels
They have thinner walls and more internal valves
Nodes
Removal of pathogens or cancer cells
They have two main protective functions
Immune system activation
Cleanses the lymph
Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissues (MALT)
Protects us from pathogens trying to enter our bodies
Spleen
Provides space for lymphocyte proliferation and immune response
Three main functions of the spleen:
Recycles the breakdown products of red blood cells
Stores blood platelets and monocytes
Site for erythrocyte production for fetus
Thymus
T cells mature in the thymus
Immune defenses
Innate/ Natural
Is always ready for action and responds within minutes to protect the body from foreign substances
Releases defensive molecules to destroy foreign invaders
They have specific pathways to target certain foreign substances
Adaptive/ Acquired
Attack identified foreign substances
Body’s third line of defense
Releases defensive molecules to destroy foreign invaders
Antigens vs. Antibodies
Antigens
Substances that mobilize adaptive defenses
They have two important functional properties
Immunogenicity which is the ability to multiply
Reactivity which is the ability to react to the activated lymphocytes and antibodies
Antibodies
Water-soluble protein molecules that have adaptive immune system to fight off foreign invaders
Disorders of the Immune system